Petter Solberg will drive the Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 in Spain

Petter Solberg will return to the discipline where he had shone in the first part of his career. The 2003 world rally champion (with Subaru) will indeed make his return in WRC the weekend of October 26 to 28, taking part in the Rally from Spain, on a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.

The Norwegian, brilliantly converted to World RX (double world title in 2014 and 2015), is currently riding a Volkswagen Polo RX in rallycross within the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden, association of its own team with the German manufacturer.

Six years after his last World Rally appearance, already in Spain, Solberg will drive the latest from Wolfsburg, just like Eric Camilli, recently confirmed by Volkswagen management. Solberg already knows his mount having taken part in development tests, particularly in winter conditions on snow.

“The opportunity to return with Volkswagen is unique and I was very happy to accept this offer, comments Solberg who will be co-driven by Veronica Engan, co-driver of his son Oliver.

When I drove the car in January to Sweden, I didn't want to stop. Everything about the Polo GTI R5 worked from the start. I'm really looking forward to Rally Spain.

I always liked the dirt-asphalt combination. Coming back here will obviously offer a special feeling. I brought the curtain down on my rally career in 2012. It will be a fantastic reunion with the WRC family, but with a job to do. »

Note that if Solberg will compete in WRC 2 with the Polo GTI R5, the Norwegian will find one of his best enemies, since Sébastien Loeb will also be at the start of the event, in the Citroën C3 WRC. The two rivals recently rubbed shoulders during tests carried out by his son Oliver on asphalt, with the advice of the nine-time world rally champion.