Petter Solberg thinks about the title

Petter Solberg, after driving the Citroën C4 during the Catalonia and Great Britain rallies in 2009, is setting off for a full season at the wheel of the world champion car. To maximize his chances of success, the Norwegian bought two cars for his team (Petter Solberg World Rally Team). The objective is clear for the 2003 world champion: to be a serious rival for Sébastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen.

« We want to fight with Sébastien and Mikko, confirms Solberg to WRC. Com. This is why we worked so hard to get this car and why we are fighting to have a budget that allows us to compete. » And if he has two Citroën C4s, it's to fight for the title, not to rent one to a competitor. “ If anyone wants to join me, they will have to rent an Xsara. I have two Xsaras but I want to sell one. On the other hand, I will not rent my C4 to anyone. If you want to compete in the entire championship, you need two cars. This year I want to do things right. »

Petter Solberg will therefore be driving a world champion car. The Norwegian is convinced that he will ride in the same conditions as the one who will become his greatest rival, Sébastien Loeb, whom he was the last to beat in the WRC, in 2003. “ This is a 2009 specification car, he confirms, which is different from the car I was able to drive last year. I will therefore experience the same conditions as Sébastien Loeb had last year. And, after what Citroën said, I don't think there will be a big difference between the car Sébastien had last year and the one I will drive this season. »

In addition, the Norwegian confides that beyond the performance of the Citroën C4, he was attracted by the technical support offered by the French manufacturer. “ It was really an important factor in my decision. Citroën offered me more than the other manufacturers. At this level of competition, and in these difficult times, there is more than just the car. The help of a builder is necessary. The most important change is that my engineer, François-Xavier Demaison, will now work full-time for me, instead of for Citroën Racing. FX will have full responsibility for the car. Ken Rees will remain team manager but FX will be in charge of all technical matters, including the mechanics and performance of the car. »

If he wants to win the championship, Petter Solberg must, however, obtain a substantial budget, since his season is not yet assured. “ I can only say that I will drive the C4 in Sweden. But I don't have the budget for the entire season but we are working on it. I'm waiting for some responses but hope to announce the full program and our testing schedule next week. »