A new youth for Solberg

By unveiling his new Citroën C4 WRC, Petter Solberg is setting new objectives. If the Rally of Catalonia, which begins tomorrow, will be a test gallop, the Norwegian dreams of an exploit in Cardiff to end the season.

Published on 01/10/2009 à 16:03

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It only took eight rallies in the Xsara WRC to convince Citroën Racing to “entrust” Petter Solberg with a C4 WRC (a 2008 version previously driven by Evgeny Novikov). The Norwegian today feels at the level of these main competitors.

“We drove for two days in testing,” explains Hollywood. “I really had a lot of fun behind the wheel. I haven't driven a car this good in years. On asphalt, I will need more training but on gravel, I already feel very comfortable. After only fifteen kilometers, I could already attack. Compared to the Xsara WRC, there is a big difference. I think I can fight at the front with the C4 WRC! »

By entering Spain and Wales, Petter Solberg will be able to test the C4 WRC on asphalt and on gravel. A good opportunity to take control of the car before 2010: “I'm preparing for next season. Here, on asphalt, I will have to discover the car and get my bearings on this surface. We will start at a measured pace and try to accelerate during the rally. We will take stock on arrival. In Wales, the objective may not be the same. The car performs well and I have already won the British Rally? »

The Rally de Catalunya will start tomorrow. Start of the first special stage at 8:48 a.m.