Petter Solberg WRT

[Pinto]

i think it was touted a while back that a paying second driver maybe in a s2000 car was been looked at maybe some of the Norweigen lads might shed a bit more light on this

[pettersolberg29]

Eyvind is almost definately driving in the Super 2000 cup next year within the WRC championship. It would be a bit odd to have him and Petter in the same team but different cars, and I can't see Petter going to Super 2000 next year.

We'll have to se what happens - hopefully before Petter misses the first event of the season unlike last year!

[Pinto]

it was to be a two car team one been wrc the other S2000

[pettersolberg29]

I didn't realise that was 'legal' in the WRC, but if so it makes the plan more feasible.

[Pinto]

but will they not be just a private team

[JFL]

Eyvind don't have any plans about joining Petter, but off course he wants to.. But then he has to get a lot off new sponsors..(He's a working man.. :) ) The drivers that are in question at the moment(rumours) is Kimi, PG Anderson, H.Solberg , A.Mikkelsen, E.Brynildsen...

[Tomi]

Eyvind don't have any plans about joining Petter, but off course he wants to.. But then he has to get a lot off new sponsors..(He's a working man.. :) ) The drivers that are in question at the moment(rumours) is Kimi, PG Anderson, H.Solberg , A.Mikkelsen, E.Brynildsen...

Kimi who?

[Barreis]

The Ice Man..

[Tomi]

The Ice Man..

lol sure yes, wont never happen.

[Helstar]

So according to Monsieur Quesnel Petter has bought the C4 and a 2nd car worth of spares. Citroen say they have to make money next year

Holy ... I thought that only Mr.Wilson wanted money, so now we know they are both equally greed ! =)

[Viking]

lol sure yes, wont never happen.

probably not, but nice rumour :)

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=no&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vg.no%2Fsport%2Fmotor%2Fartikke l.php%3Fartid%3D574335&sl=no&tl=en&history_state0=

[Viking]

But my favorit rumour would be this, Petter-Gigi-Pirelli :D

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=no&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autosportnieuws.be%2Fnieuwsberi cht.php%3Fitem%3D273984

[Barreis]

I don't like the boxer..

[Helstar]

But the problem would be always the same ... they wouldn't be allowed (if we suppose they could be capable, even 1 time over the whole calendar) the work drivers :s also asked to stop 15 min when necessary ^^

[J.Lindstroem]

PG Andersson is still a hot candidate to run the second car. Some local media here in sweden has recently interviewed PG who says that Petter wants him to be able to say how he is standing financially in two weeks time.

According to PG, Petter has already started the work to put together their CV's in a common folder.

Interesting!

http://nwt.se/sport/article600813.ece

[Sulland]

But this mentiones S2000 for the second driver in the team. That was the original plan as far as I know, and then we heard of two WRC cars in the team, and now back to S2000.

I guess S2000 is correct, since Petter so far only have 1 C4 + 1 car wirth of spares.

[MJW]

Pug 207 for PG in the second car............

[Barreis]

He has Xsara WRC.. Still better then Fabia or Lancer..

[pettersolberg29]

I don't understand. Is it allowed to have a team-mate with a different car and manufacturer?
And will PG drive in the S2000 cup or what? I'll be honest and say I have no idea what's going on!

[J.Lindstroem]

I don't understand. Is it allowed to have a team-mate with a different car and manufacturer?
And will PG drive in the S2000 cup or what? I'll be honest and say I have no idea what's going on!

I can't understand why it would not be allowed, it's a private team... :dozey: I have no examples of this now but hav'nt we seen teams with wrc cars and group n cars before?

[pettersolberg29]

Maybe - but I don't remember any. Thanks for clearing it up despite the sarcasm.

[alleskids]

PSWRT has no intention to compete in the manufacturer championship or any other team competition, so he is allowed to have as many teammates and cartypes as he likes or as his teammates can afford. They (only) share the teamlogistics and the data they gather.

[alleskids]

Mitsubishi RalliArt scored points in 1993/1994/1995 for the manufactures championship with Tommi Makinen in a group A Lancer and RalliArt Germany back up the one man team up with group N Lancer (Isolde Holderied, Jorge Recaldo, Uwe Nittel, Rui Madeira and more drivers)

[J.Lindstroem]

Mitsubishi RalliArt scored points in 1993/1994/1995 for the manufactures championship with Tommi Makinen in a group A Lancer and RalliArt Germany back up the one man team up with group N Lancer (Isolde Holderied, Jorge Recaldo, Uwe Nittel, Rui Madeira and more drivers)

Doesn't stobart for example have both Subarus and Focuses?

[Gard]

But this mentiones S2000 for the second driver in the team. That was the original plan as far as I know, and then we heard of two WRC cars in the team, and now back to S2000.

I guess S2000 is correct, since Petter so far only have 1 C4 + 1 car wirth of spares.

According to Quesnel, PSWRT has parts enough to build and run a second C4.

[MJW]

According to Quesnel, PSWRT has parts enough to build and run a second C4.
Petter will probably need two C4s next year if its a full calendar, especially with the "far aways" in the first half.

[pettersolberg29]

PSWRT has no intention to compete in the manufacturer championship or any other team competition, so he is allowed to have as many teammates and cartypes as he likes or as his teammates can afford. They (only) share the teamlogistics and the data they gather.

Thanks for the clarification.

[N.O.T]

how are things in here? eveything going fine ????

[JFL]

Nice to see you in here as well :) Truth? Very happy.. First gravelrally in a new car, never tested on wet gravel, learning the setup... So yeah.. Very happy! I'm surprised that Loeb and Sordo can't outpace him more.. They have after all approx. 60 rallies in that car, and also a later evolution...

[N.O.T]

yeah plenty of excuses for him....again.

[blissard]

yeah plenty of excuses for him....again.

Oh please............! The two guys in front of him are fighting for the championship.

It takes a little while to get used to a new car. Petter lost 31.1 secs on the first pass, but only 9.4 secs on the second.

It'll be an exciting day tomorrow.

[Helstar]

Can we ban NOT from this thread ^^ ?

[N.O.T]

why ?

[Sulland]

And the nominated junior team drivers has to have 2008 spec, that makes his drive a bit more impressive !

[N.O.T]

so its the car once again...

[bretddog]

so its the car once again...
I don't get this debate over Petter.. Isn't it quite clear?

Spain should prove to those who didn't understand it before, that Petter has had a car with serious disadvantage over the last years. 78 sec faster in 2009 than 2008. And he did fight pretty hard in 2008 with Aava to the end. I think most acknowledge that observation at this point.

Petter is emotional and a straight talker, on both the good and bad. But it should be understandable that he has been frustrated with the Subaru, when his talent was much better than the car he was driving. I remember banging my head in the wall when he signed his last contract with Subaru. That was obviously the stupidest choice he has made.

Now the question is if other drivers have progressed more than himself over the last years while he was not able to fight in the top. This only future results can tell. He's one of the 4 best drivers, and the rest we will see. I just hope he get a competitive package for 2010.

But it's awesome to hear him on the radio, I'm starting to sense a bit of that true fighting spark in his voice again.. (if you can remember) been a long time.

[Tomi]

I remember banging my head in the wall when he signed his last contract with Subaru. That was obviously the stupidest choice he has made.

Really? What would you have done in his place?

[bretddog]

Really? What would you have done in his place?
Sign up with a different team. Or if not feasible sing a 1 year contract only..

It was already clear at that point that the Subaru suffered from serious reliability problems.

[Tomi]

Sign up with a different team. Or if not feasible sing a 1 year contract only..

It was already clear at that point that the Subaru suffered from serious reliability problems.

he was free this year, why did he not sign with another team now?

[JFL]

stupid question... A couple of years back he had several options.. This year: None... Then he did what nobody else have managed to do.. Made a private team who's fighting for podiums...

[bretddog]

he was free this year, why did he not sign with another team now?
Are you trying to be funny?

There were no offers with competitive car.

Even though he instead had to chose perhaps an even slower car, than an M2 Ford which he could have got, what he did was what he considered best for his image and future commercial value. It's quite obvious even to yourself I'm sure that 2009 was not a season Petter was looking for the best results. But for his best transition into a possible contract for 2010.

[Tomi]

A couple of years back he had several options..

Did he actually have? I cant remember that he would have had, maybe you can refresh the memory, who else did offer him a contract? And please facts, no VG rumours.

[Sulland]

so its the car once again...

No he is doing fine, so relax N.O.T.

Bur according to the regs the Juniors or B teams CAN NOT use 2009 homologated parts, only the A teams or privateers (if they can get it) are allowed to use 2009 bits ! I am not sure what changed on the C4 btw 08 and 09 ?

Not sure what options he had, but in 2004 and 5, before it really started to go steep downhill, he could maybe have done something. But after the frustration started to show to much, he was probably not the dreampartner - but on top he is for any sponsor the only one in WRC that are a bit human and show feelings. The rest of them are boring, and without much mimic during an interview (Much like the F1 boys), as if there was a course to learn to behave that way !?

[bretddog]

Did he actually have? I cant remember that he would have had, maybe you can refresh the memory, who else did offer him a contract? And please facts, no VG rumours.

The point is not that it existed better offers. Perhaps there would have been, and perhaps not. We don't know because he was tied up with Subaru. But to sign up for a long term contract with a car with such recent history of reliability problems did not look smart at the time. Yes financially it was smart, but for his driving it was risky.

The point that some people seem to deny is that Subaru has not been competitive for several years.

[JFL]

Did he actually have? I cant remember that he would have had, maybe you can refresh the memory, who else did offer him a contract? And please facts, no VG rumours.
Actually it came from his team-manager/wife. She said it in some interviews, but Petter wanted to stay loyal to Subaru, and fight back to win again.. She also said that, it's in the past, and we can't think about that now..
While he was under contract with Subaru or under discussion with them for a new contract, its not very professianal to tell what other teams that was in the picture..
You can take my word for it or not, but I don't bother finding these quotes right now, but if I stumble over them, you will be the first to know... Or if anybody else find it..

Or you can PM me and I wil give you his telephone number, and you can ask for yourself.

[Tomi]

Actually it came from his team-manager/wife.

Sorry, but its a bit hard to belive that there ever has been any offers, because I dont think neither Citroen or Ford would have swapped their nr 1 drivers for Petter at that time.
No need for phone number, Lol, he was embarrased enough yesterday in tv when they asked him about his arrangements with Kimi.

[bretddog]

Sorry, but its a bit hard to belive that there ever has been any offers, because I dont think neither Citroen or Ford would have swapped their nr 1 drivers for Petter at that time.
If he was not under contract with Subaru he could have teamed with Ford and Mikko for 2008 and 2009. In 2007 when such a deal would have been made, Latvala was not even slightly interesting compared to Petter.

Edit: So, he potentially lost 3 seasons, even 2010, as it doesn't look like his car will be top-of-the-line even then.

[Tomi]

If he was not under contract with Subaru he could have teamed with Ford and Mikko for 2008 and 2009. In 2007 when such a deal would have been made, Latvala was not even slightly interesting compared to Petter.

Edit: So, he potentially lost 3 seasons, even 2010, as it doesn't look like his car will be top-of-the-line even then.

Nice story but again too many if's and would, and based on your dreams nothing else. Im not sure at all Wilson would have been interested, Latvala is an investment in the future, and he will be worth it.

[bretddog]

Nice story but again too many if's and would, and based on your dreams nothing else. Im not sure at all Wilson would have been interested, Latvala is an investment in the future, and he will be worth it.
You don't have to make sarcastic remarks. It's not my dream, it's just a dry fact. You are the one who's digging and asking about this. And the answer is that this would have been highly likely in 2007. Latvala in 2007 and latvala in 2009 are two quite different prospects. Latvala was taken on too early, due to lack of better alternative.

But I don't think you are humble enough to admit that straight out.

[Tomi]

You don't have to make sarcastic remarks. It's not my dream, it's just a dry fact. You are the one who's digging and asking about this. And the answer is that this would have been highly likely in 2007. Latvala in 2007 and latvala in 2009 are two quite different prospects. Latvala was taken on too early, due to lack of better alternative.

But I don't think you are humble enough to admit that straight out.

im digging in this only because i find it amusing you and others think Petter is a driver in a position who can go to what ever team he wants to, by now when he has been crawling in front of every teamboss it should be clear that its far from a fact.

[bretddog]

im digging in this only because i find it amusing you and others think Petter is a driver in a position who can go to what ever team he wants to, by now when he has been crawling in front of every teamboss it should be clear that its far from a fact.
Now I think you are putting words in my mouth. Petter's situation now is quite difficult. The situation is totally different now, and more drivers are up on Petter's level. Now Mikko, Sordo and Latvala are much better than a few years ago. So yes, of course it's difficult now. But we can't mix these discussions. These situations change every year.

[Finni]

Nice story but again too many if's and would, and based on your dreams nothing else. Im not sure at all Wilson would have been interested, Latvala is an investment in the future, and he will be worth it.

So far instead of evolution we have only seen regression. He is not even as fast as Hirvonen and in terms of reliability the situation is horrible. And, of course, on asphalt he just got beaten by Solberg not to mention Ogier!

[Finni]

Nice to see how Solberg will do today. We can already say that from the first kilometeres his gravel performance was on par with Latvala-Sordo-level. Let's see what's improvement.

[Brother John]

Actually it came from his team-manager/wife. She said it in some interviews, but Petter wanted to stay loyal to Subaru, and fight back to win again..yourself.

Loyal to Subaru http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sign/sign0095.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=sign/sign0095.gif).........she meant LOYAL TO THE MONEY.

[jbmarcus21]

someone say where Petter test today ?
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/2009/11/13/live-from-the-field-153/

[MJW]

Interesting to note that the car is running "unbranded" with no Johs Lunde logos.

[SubaruNorway]

Interesting to note that the car is running "unbranded" with no Johs Lunde logos.

On the poster for the event there is no Johs Lunde logo either...

[JFL]

Interesting to note that the car is running "unbranded" with no Johs Lunde logos.
It's hundreds of test videos of Loeb testing a red Citröen with no stickers too... Could be thst Johs.Lunde is out but I doubt it...

[MJW]

What I meant was that Johs Lunde was the sponsor for the WRC rallies, there was not a lot of money in teh team this year, also all the Johs Lunde team supporter clothing is now gone. I guess next year will need a bigger money sponsor, or Johs Lunde may still sponsor but "shared"

[Sulland]

Is Petter better off in a Ford than a Citroen.

Which one suites his driving style the most ?

[N.O.T]

I think he would be better off in the armchair of his house. and suits his driving style as well so its double the benefit for everyone...

[Tomi]

Which one suites his driving style the most ?

What do you mean? Is it not because of that they do testing to get the cars suitable and easy to drive for own driving style?

[Viking]

Petter

"Both the C4 and the Ford work very well are quite easy to drive,they are both consistent, predictable handling cars that do the correct thing - just in slightly different ways."

[MJW]

Somehow I just can not envisage the scenario that with Loeb going for a straight 7th championship (equalling Schumacher) in the last year of the current WRC car format that Citroen will want anyone to spoil the party. Its just my personal thoughts but I think MSport will play a fairer game plan. Who knows it could still be a Citroen, time will tell, but I reckon the announcement will be soon. And I suspect the home market in Norway for selling cars will be an influencing factor. Shell Ford Norway?

[Viking]

If he takes the Focus, he will have to move his team to GB, a little bit more work, some new people...

[Viking]

The Ice Man..


lol sure yes, wont never happen.

:D

[Tomi]

:D

Dont tell me you still think Kimi will join petters team?

[Viking]

Dont tell me you still think Kimi will join petters team?

Hope not :) just got the impression that you ment Kimi and wrc would never happen, maybe it was another post.

[Tomi]

Hope not :) just got the impression that you ment Kimi and wrc would never happen, maybe it was another post.

Eyvind don't have any plans about joining Petter, but off course he wants to.. But then he has to get a lot off new sponsors..(He's a working man.. ) The drivers that are in question at the moment(rumours) is Kimi, PG Anderson, H.Solberg , A.Mikkelsen, E.Brynildsen...

No, it was a quote to this post, and the reasons are very simple too, why pull someone with you, if you can get better contract by you self, in this case petter would only have been ballast.

[Viking]

Ballast? well... It would have been a team with an F1 champ and an WRC champ, sure they could have found something together.
But I think it would have put too much pressure on Petters small team, and both would be fed off after a few rebuilds :D

[Tomi]

Ballast? well... It would have been a team with an F1 champ and an WRC champ, sure they could have found something together.
But I think it would have put too much pressure on Petters small team, and both would be fed off after a few rebuilds :D

Well if the Citroen deal is true, Lindström will co-drive, Tommi will propably coach, and help with setup, + Citroen behind him, im not sure what petter could have offered actually, maybe dance lessons? a good deal is when both benefit, in a possible deal with petter kimi would have had nothing to get i think.

[Sulland]

Some things on this forum is very easy to predict

If someone writes something about the solberg brothers, and especially Petter it is a given that a few people will respond.

N.O.T that has close to 10 000 posts filled with positiveness and spread happiness to all of us !

Many people from Suomi also like to share their positiveness toward the brothers, and us who cheer them on.
As you know, the simple Vikings from your west will never reach your level in either Racing or Rally - your sponsor system is the best in the world !

We only have one world champion, and due to that the rally fever started in Norway. Most norwegians will always respect him for that, and hopes he will win again. Had only the rallyworld had a bit more of the Mr Hollywood way of behaving, WRC would be even better to follow.

But guys, just continue spreading joy with your positive postings, they are always exiting to read :vampire:

:wave: ;)

[Juha_Koo]

N.O.T that has close to 10 000 posts filled with positiveness and spread happiness to all of us !

Many people from Suomi also like to share their positiveness toward the brothers, and us who cheer them on.
As you know, the simple Vikings from your west will never reach your level in either Racing or Rally - your sponsor system is the best in the world !

:D

I like your style Sulland. :up:

[Tomi]

We only have one world champion, and due to that the rally fever started in Norway. Most norwegians will always respect him for that, and hopes he will win again.

Thats the point Sulland, every Norwegian seem to live around petter in a way where is no realism left. Its better to face the facts, petters carreer is about to come to an end.
In norway it would be clever maybe to invest the limited sponsor money on new talet, instead of still feeding guys who has done their work as road opener already.

[N.O.T]

Some things on this forum is very easy to predict

If someone writes something about the solberg brothers, and especially Petter it is a given that a few people will respond.

N.O.T that has close to 10 000 posts filled with positiveness and spread happiness to all of us !

Many people from Suomi also like to share their positiveness toward the brothers, and us who cheer them on.
As you know, the simple Vikings from your west will never reach your level in either Racing or Rally - your sponsor system is the best in the world !

We only have one world champion, and due to that the rally fever started in Norway. Most norwegians will always respect him for that, and hopes he will win again. Had only the rallyworld had a bit more of the Mr Hollywood way of behaving, WRC would be even better to follow.

But guys, just continue spreading joy with your positive postings, they are always exiting to read :vampire:

:wave: ;)

the difference is Greece is a 3rd world country and in rallying we have around 1000 useless posers who think they are rally drivers and around 5 that have the skills but no balls at all to compete at a good level (ERC and IRC, i don;t live in imagination land to think we have drivers for the WRC) but the main problem is that all these 1005 drivers we have are surounded by 10000 useless YES men each.... so no progress...

As for the Solberg saga i just hope he sticks to shows or at least if he decides to drive in WRC again he forgets his whines at home and set realistic goals.

[Koppomsbo]

Well if Kimi and Petter join forces they just can call their team

"One hit wonders WRT"

One time world champ only :D

[Viking]

Well if Kimi and Petter join forces they just can call their team

"One hit wonders WRT"

One time world champ only :D

Yes, Petter will soon be forgotten just as this unsung heroes: Richard Burns, Colin McRae, Didier Auriol, Timo Salonen, Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola , Ari Vatanen and Bjorn Waldegaard :)

[Simmi]

Wow this thread went south today.

I'd say Petter is pretty much essential to the WRC. He has more character in his little finger then most of the others put together.

Even if he isn't winning he is an ex-world champion who gives the sport a tiny bit more legitimacy. He is a proper driver and without him that just gives another place in the points to Conrad or whoever is winning the PWRC.

As a sport rallying is in no position to even think about getting rid of Petter. He's the third best driver ffs.

[janvanvurpa]

Wow this thread went south today.

I'd say Petter is pretty much essential to the WRC. He has more character in his little finger then most of the others put together.

Even if he isn't winning he is an ex-world champion who gives the sport a tiny bit more legitimacy. He is a proper driver and without him that just gives another place in the points to Conrad or whoever is winning the PWRC.

As a sport rallying is in no position to even think about getting rid of Petter. He's the third best driver ffs.


What you call "character" some see as , well very politely anyway the triumph of promotional ability. Sure he's able to beat all the "buy a ride/---what were once known as "gentleman drivers" but..... but...........

For a Norwegian to be so .....so...well for a Norwegian male to even speak in the first place is shocking to anybody who has lived a few years in the Nordic countries, but so much glitz and glitter and just raw HYPE, well it's unnatural.

I wish him well but geeze turn down the hype machine.

[janvanvurpa]

Yes, Petter will soon be forgotten just as this unsung heroes: Richard Burns, Colin McRae, Didier Auriol, Timo Salonen, Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola , Ari Vatanen and Bjorn Waldegaard :)


Kom nu, drengen!
Se?? It's that sort of totally unrealistic infered comparison of grouping that makes many of us who have been around since 'Mästern' Blomqvist was still in Saab 96 and teammates with Per Eklund that makes us think far too many of you 'Vikingar' have been drinking way too much mjöd (mead to you other guys)(and I think Burns should be in that group either)
The WRC is stuck in a mud hole and so is the worldwide car economy.
It is a scandal that a guy who can drive as quick as Petter has to buy rides, but thatäs just the way things have developed with the morphing of the WRC into a half baked F1 style media cirkus where the "show" is more important the the skill.
Petter gambled with the "Hollywood" persona that that would sell.

But he didn't reckon with how soon people want something new, younger so the mainly 14-24 male age group, the "target market", can identify with the made up heroes.
Petter is just too old.

[Simmi]

What you call "character" some see as , well very politely anyway the triumph of promotional ability. Sure he's able to beat all the "buy a ride/---what were once known as "gentleman drivers" but..... but...........

For a Norwegian to be so .....so...well for a Norwegian male to even speak in the first place is shocking to anybody who has lived a few years in the Nordic countries, but so much glitz and glitter and just raw HYPE, well it's unnatural.

I wish him well but geeze turn down the hype machine.

I kind of see what you're saying. But all this talk of raw HYPE. I don't see it like that. What hype?

I think there is a difference between passion and promotion too. Especially now when his best days have faded. The guy still wears his heart on his sleeve - which granted is not a character trait normally associated with Norwegians - but essentially you are just calling him fake.

I dont see hype. I certainly don't see glitz and glitter. I see an emotional guy who has the burning desire to compete. Just because he doesn't fit in within national stereotypical paramaters. That's just my opinion.

[Viking]

Kom nu, drengen!
Se?? It's that sort of totally unrealistic infered comparison of grouping that makes many of us who have been around since 'Mästern' Blomqvist was still in Saab 96 and teammates with Per Eklund that makes us think far too many of you 'Vikingar' have been drinking way too much mjöd (mead to you other guys)(and I think Burns should be in that group either)

nu, jäklar ;)

that comparison was a reply to Koppumsbo`s "one time champ" rant, those mentioned was "one time champs" Per Eklund never made it but he is still driving and will do so til he is 70 he says so...

Jag är inte besviken - jag är förbannad! :D

[janvanvurpa]

I kind of see what you're saying. But all this talk of raw HYPE. I don't see it like that. What hype?

I think there is a difference between passion and promotion too. Especially now when his best days have faded. The guy still wears his heart on his sleeve - which granted is not a character trait normally associated with Norwegians - but essentially you are just calling him fake.

I dont see hype. I certainly don't see glitz and glitter. I see an emotional guy who has the burning desire to compete. Just because he doesn't fit in within national stereotypical paramaters. That's just my opinion.

Look, I know about passion for a motorsport driving your whole life, and I know about the need for a "promotable" image, and I can't find exact English idiom or phrase in common usage, so we'll have to hope that some of the boys from "upp i Norden" can make it more precise.
The phrase I want to use is he makes often 'en spel till galleriet' which would be "a play to the galleries" in English but I don't think that phrase is used so commonly in today's English.
Another might be "feberellt glädje''.

Think if Solberg and think of Grönholm.
Grönholm I understand, like and respect. He gets excited, he gets humorous, he can be frustrated, and he can be serious, but there way less TENSION in his persona that what I see obviously in Solberg despite the fact he may be smiling.

I worked among Swedes and Finns in Sweden for 7-8 years, been doing business there for nearly 40 years, I know their characters, I know their culture, and I know the differences between the countries cultures, Solberg is flat wierd for a Norwegian. Especially for a guy in motorsport.
Maybe his public ''persona'' would be better in Los Angeles.

[Rallyper]

No, guys you just have to lay off this crap talking in this topic.

In this topic we should talk about the good thing of Petter driving the WRC next year in either Ford or C4.

The crap you serve here about him as a nobody or whatever you find out is just rubbish.

Go to the ladies forum and have a nice gossip with the other girls!

Here we want to talk nice things about a nice guy living for his sport.

You must accept him from now on. :evil:

[cali]

Thats the point Sulland, every Norwegian seem to live around petter in a way where is no realism left. Its better to face the facts, petters carreer is about to come to an end.
In norway it would be clever maybe to invest the limited sponsor money on new talet, instead of still feeding guys who has done their work as road opener already.

I was about to say something similar. No offence to any driver, they all deserve respect (I really hope a good deal to Mikkelsen soon). But it is sometimes funny to see the naiveness of the norwegian fans...

Well I guess I would be so excited as well, if we would still talk anbout Markko's driving etc.

[RS]

Thats the point Sulland, every Norwegian seem to live around petter in a way where is no realism left. Its better to face the facts, petters carreer is about to come to an end.
In norway it would be clever maybe to invest the limited sponsor money on new talet, instead of still feeding guys who has done their work as road opener already.

Perhaps you should read back over some of your own recent posts Tomi.

[Tomi]

Perhaps you should read back over some of your own recent posts Tomi.

What are you talking about, i cant remember that I ever have been whining when an old driver call it a day, or been against new talent.

[Tomi]

[quote="cali"]

Well, he is doing now things that are just as important than the driving.

[JFL]

No mather what talent, what age, what driver or whatever you put in a WRC car, he can't win.. Unless he's in a M1 car and is a priority driver..
Maybe Petter never will win again, but the hunger for a win is a lot bigger for him then many other drivers... At least it seems that way..
Anyways..if he's finnished or not, what he put together this year, and all he had to think about besides driving and testing the car.. Deserves a medal... In my eyes anyway.. But.. I'm Norwegian..

[Tomi]

what he put together this year, and all he had to think about besides driving and testing the car.. Deserves a medal... In my eyes anyway.. But.. I'm Norwegian..

Offcourse it was a big achievement to put together a team in such short time, I wonder if he will do the same next year, or maybe he will do like henning has done.

[janvanvurpa]

No mather what talent, what age, what driver or whatever you put in a WRC car, he can't win.. Unless he's in a M1 car and is a priority driver..
Maybe Petter never will win again, but the hunger for a win is a lot bigger for him then many other drivers... At least it seems that way..
Anyways..if he's finnished or not, what he put together this year, and all he had to think about besides driving and testing the car.. Deserves a medal... In my eyes anyway.. But.. I'm Norwegian..


Gotta agree he is burning with passion, but THE "SPORT" has changed.
It's gotten more like circuit racing which has always frankly disgusted me since talent is clearly extremely secondary to having a financial and technological advantage.

And yeah I was cheering for him going it nearly alone, but he will probably be the last man ever in WRC to do that.

Maybe he was just born 20 years late.

( I was lucky enough to do my sport when a single guy could tow from event to event and do International moto-crosses single-handedly and actuall make enough money to save 75% of what we got in start money. (hell working on the junk cars i could afford is how I got into first repairing cars then building rally cars and rally parts, but moto-cross was changing too, by the mid 80s local juniors "needed" big 508 Mercedes 3,5 ton vans just to go practicing!!)

[Simmi]

I don't see how the sport changing has anything to do with Petter.

Rallying is in the situation that is due to the economic downturn and the championship being guided off course and at a low point.

If there were a few more manu's and a drivers market then Petter would be getting a paid drive. x number of good drivers into 4 works seats doesn't go.

So you pay and drive or you don't pay and dont drive. So I don't see how anyone can criticise Petter for raising a budget and going rallying. Is he supposed to just pull out and retire because the sport he loves is a shadow of its former self? If he can't get into one of the 4 works seats should he not go rallying?

As for how he raises his money, and whether he runs a private or semi-works car doesn't matter either. It's just about what is the best value and performance for the money. He might not win but he puts himself in the mix. He gets to feel the burn of competition. So what's the problem? Who is he hurting?

[janvanvurpa]

I don't see how the sport changing has anything to do with Petter.

Then I guess you don't see it.



Rallying is in the situation that is due to the economic downturn and the championship being guided off course and at a low point.

Understatement of the Decade award goes to Simmi.



If there were a few more manu's and a drivers market then Petter would be getting a paid drive. x number of good drivers into 4 works seats doesn't go.

Awfully big if you got there, pardner.


So I don't see how anyone can criticise Petter for raising a budget and going rallying.

You can't see it because NOBODY is criticizing him for raising a budget and going rallying.

I've said his "hollywood" persona isn't my taste, and that's not criticising Petter but rather what I feel is a "face' he puts on for promotional purposes.





Is he supposed to just pull out and retire because the sport he loves is a shadow of its former self? If he can't get into one of the 4 works seats should he not go rallying?

Are you hysterical, or been drinking??


As for how he raises his money, and whether he runs a private or semi-works car doesn't matter either. It's just about what is the best value and performance for the money. He might not win but he puts himself in the mix. He gets to feel the burn of competition. So what's the problem? Who is he hurting?

Nobody, and yes he can drive, and drive a lot better than all but one or two current guys, and I admire his going and doing it himself.
Far better job he's doing than McRae when he'd priced himself out of reach, and burned so many bridges that he couldn't get a seat----he quit rather than spending a penny of his own millions. Very lame.

I gently suggest you're reading way too much into casual comments.
As Hollywood would say "Take a chill pill, dude"

[anthonyvop]

Rallying is in the situation that is due to the economic downturn and the championship being guided off course and at a low point.

Low point?
TV ratings are up. And TV is the MOST IMPORTANT measurement of the popularity of the sport.

The only issue I would consider low is the lack or manufacturer involvement which has nothing to do with the sport and everything to do with the state of the world wide auto industry.

[Koppomsbo]

Anyways..if he's finnished or not, what he put together this year, and all he had to think about besides driving and testing the car.. Deserves a medal... In my eyes anyway.. But.. I'm Norwegian..


Ok, Petter is a great guy. But why does he deserves a medal? Then Mads Østberg and Henning should have one aswell? And Urmo Avaa? And all of the other guys who is fighting for sponsorship money?

[WRCfan]

People on here having a whinge for the reason that they don't like his persona!?!?

He is now just the same as he was back in 03 before the hard times. This is the Solberg of old. He just was more mallow when Subaru had those few years of trying times.

I know we struggle during the break for things to talk about on the forum, but this is scraping the bottom of the barrel....really

[AndyRAC]

Low point?
TV ratings are up. And TV is the MOST IMPORTANT measurement of the popularity of the sport.

The only issue I would consider low is the lack or manufacturer involvement which has nothing to do with the sport and everything to do with the state of the world wide auto industry.

TV ratings are up??? Where?? I'm always slightly dubious of tv figures. Certainly, not in UK, as far as I am aware.

[N.O.T]

these changes peter does to his cars at least keeps the "new car" favourite excuse he uses all the time...how many rallies now he needs in the focus ?? 1-3-5-10-12 ?.

[RS]

People on here having a whinge for the reason that they don't like his persona!?!?

He is now just the same as he was back in 03 before the hard times. This is the Solberg of old. He just was more mallow when Subaru had those few years of trying times.

I know we struggle during the break for things to talk about on the forum, but this is scraping the bottom of the barrel....really

Yup, it's quite sad really that we have people bitching about Petter the whole time. Perhaps we should be grateful to have someone of his ability in a WRCar at all in these talent-starved times.

[HaCo]

Yep RS, it's a shame! Go Petter and I hope for a Ford! :)

[Barreis]

Why ford when citroen is the winner..

[Josti]

Low point?
TV ratings are up. And TV is the MOST IMPORTANT measurement of the popularity of the sport.

The only issue I would consider low is the lack or manufacturer involvement which has nothing to do with the sport and everything to do with the state of the world wide auto industry.

The championship was in poor state already 2 or 3 years ago, before the economic downturn. The writing was on the wall already 5 or more years ago.

And, I don't think TV is the most important measurement of the sports popularity, especially when we're talking about rallying.

[Halvis]

Just heard an interview with Petter on Norwegian radio, he said that he has travelled extensivly the last month to get the deals with sponsors that is needed - and that it was going into the final fase. On the car issue, he said that he was still undecided between Ford and Citroen, but it was leaning towards one of them. Wouldn't say witch one, though...

And to all those who is making fun of Petters efforts to participate in WRC, I don't think there is anyone in the history of rallying that has worked so hard to get a competetive car - please give the man some credit!

[Simmi]

Why ford when citroen is the winner..

It all depends on the support and the terms of the overall package. You might take the fractionally slower Ford if it meant getting the full semi-works treatment from M-Sport. If he takes a C4 maybe he would have to go it alone with less support similar to this year.

It's all about value for money.

[MJW]

Why ford when citroen is the winner..
Ther is very little to chose between Focus and C4 - I guess this decision will be based on money, and support and commitment. I still think that anyone going into Loeb's Citroen team will have less of a chance than anyone did in Ferrair against Scumacher and Hamilton in a McLaren.

[L5->R5/CR]

It all depends on the support and the terms of the overall package. You might take the fractionally slower Ford if it meant getting the full semi-works treatment from M-Sport. If he takes a C4 maybe he would have to go it alone with less support similar to this year.

It's all about value for money.

Don't forget that Red Bull seems keen to get Kimi in a C4, if that happens, Citroen Sport's interest/ability to help Petter, might not be what it would be otherwise...

[Tomi]

its the buyers market, actually any driver who has the money can get a car, and with some more money tests aswell.

[Rallyper]

:up:
I don't see how the sport changing has anything to do with Petter.

Rallying is in the situation that is due to the economic downturn and the championship being guided off course and at a low point.

If there were a few more manu's and a drivers market then Petter would be getting a paid drive. x number of good drivers into 4 works seats doesn't go.

So you pay and drive or you don't pay and dont drive. So I don't see how anyone can criticise Petter for raising a budget and going rallying. Is he supposed to just pull out and retire because the sport he loves is a shadow of its former self? If he can't get into one of the 4 works seats should he not go rallying?

As for how he raises his money, and whether he runs a private or semi-works car doesn't matter either. It's just about what is the best value and performance for the money. He might not win but he puts himself in the mix. He gets to feel the burn of competition. So what's the problem? Who is he hurting?
:up:

[Lousada]

Ther is very little to chose between Focus and C4 - I guess this decision will be based on money, and support and commitment. I still think that anyone going into Loeb's Citroen team will have less of a chance than anyone did in Ferrair against Scumacher and Hamilton in a McLaren.

Excuses :rolleyes: Nobody has a chance against Loeb because nobody is actually better than Loeb. If he drives a Ford and can't beat Loeb it's because the Ford is poor, if he drives a Citroen and can't beat Loeb it's because of poor support, blah blah.
By the way, Wilson himself said that Hirvonen will be the unchallenged number one at Ford.

[Buzz Lightyear]

its the buyers market, actually any driver who has the money can get a car, and with some more money tests aswell.

Even Latvala..

[Tomi]

Even Latvala..

offcourse if he would have too.

[MJW]

Excuses :rolleyes: Nobody has a chance against Loeb because nobody is actually better than Loeb. If he drives a Ford and can't beat Loeb it's because the Ford is poor, if he drives a Citroen and can't beat Loeb it's because of poor support, blah blah.
By the way, Wilson himself said that Hirvonen will be the unchallenged number one at Ford.
I reckon Petter has a better chance of beating Loeb in a Ford than if he was running a Citroen. Time will tell, all this speculation is getting tedious.

[N.O.T]

I reckon Petter has a better chance of beating Loeb in a Ford than if he was running a Citroen. Time will tell, all this speculation is getting tedious.

i think peter has no chance to beat Loeb in any car....

[pettersolberg29]

i think peter has no chance to beat Loeb in any car....

Within limits or are you just being stubborn? What if Loeb was in a S2000 and Petter in a WRC?
Just making sure you're not completely biased against Petter...

[JFL]

As it is know, Citröen has the best car. Loeb and Sordo drives them.. No money in the world will give you the exact same spec as these cars.. Sordo can't win(exept if Loebs retires) If a customer in a C4 is beating Loeb I don't think that Quesnel will give him the best support after that..
If somebody manages to get a top spec car and fight for the win in it, I take my hat of.. So far Petter has been the closest to get that deal.. Even with a fraction of the budget Citröen has.. Time will show..

I don't understand why a "private" car(if it's the latest model) Can't win, without making the manufacturer look bad? It's still a Citröen or Ford that's winning..
Maybe we will see more battles in 2011.. I certainly hope so, cause as it is now its just a 2 man battle with 5-6 good drivers trying to keep up, and some gentleman drivers filling up the rest of the top 10..

And finally.. I love that Petter is not giving up, and trying to beat the "system", and trying to beat Loeb before he retires..

[Camelopard]

Why ford when citroen is the winner..


In the hands of 1 driver! When was the last time anyone other than Loeb won a rally in a citroen? Sordo maybe? :)


It is obvious that citroen has the best driver, this doesn't mean that they have the the best car, not by a long shot.

[Simmi]

Hasn't the development frozen on the WRCs now or did I dream that?

So surely next year a private C4 or Focus will be as near to a full works car than ever before.

[Helstar]

As it is know, Citröen has the best car. Loeb and Sordo drives them.. No money in the world will give you the exact same spec as these cars..
You're right, but sometimes there are exceptions ... like some french with the same Loeb name who in Australia 2009 (and probably not only there) happens to drive a C4 with not-homologated 2009 parts =)

Ps. My hat is off for Petter, obviously. Keep it up man, you're still a rally world champion (many people seems to have forget that), the last one who beated Mr.Unbeatable for the driver title.

[Camelopard]

The championship was in poor state already 2 or 3 years ago, before the economic downturn. The writing was on the wall already 5 or more years ago.

And, I don't think TV is the most important measurement of the sports popularity, especially when we're talking about rallying.


You have to remember that vop is from the states where success is measured by how much exposure you get on the great god of television. :)

[Simmi]

They might be reporting old news but Autosport magazine this week still thinks Petter is going to the Junior Citroen team alongside Kimi and Ogier.

[janvanvurpa]

You have to remember that vop is from the states where success is measured by how much exposure you get on the great god of television. :)
If you see it on a tube--TV or the little ones on the desk, it must be true!!!
I heard them say that the X-games had the world's BEST rally drivers there!

[Viking]

"Citroen offer looking best for 2010"..........so far

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6591&desc=Solberg:%20Citroen%20offer%20looking%20best%2 0for%202010

[bluuford]

"Citroen offer looking best for 2010"..........so far

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6591&desc=Solberg:%20Citroen%20offer%20looking%20best%2 0for%202010

For me it sounds like a hidden blackmailing by Solberg to force MW to make better deal:-) Really, in term of equality I would expect bigger freedom for Solberg in Ford than in Citroen. And I would not bet on either of those two cars yet.
The fact that one big name (Kimi) has gone to C4 probably adds additional interest in MW-s head.

[Loose_Unit]

if petter ends up in a c4 it may as well be a bloody one make series, the amount of c4's around...

[RS]

if petter ends up in a c4 it may as well be a bloody one make series, the amount of c4's around...

There are plenty of Focus too....

[Loose_Unit]

true i spose. whatever he does, good luck. its refreshing to see someone so committed to the sport we love

[Sulland]

For me it sounds like a hidden blackmailing by Solberg to force MW to make better deal:-) Really, in term of equality I would expect bigger freedom for Solberg in Ford than in Citroen. And I would not bet on either of those two cars yet.
The fact that one big name (Kimi) has gone to C4 probably adds additional interest in MW-s head.

He is also a businessman, trying all tricks in the book to get the best total package for 2010 - also using the press as a channel !

[I am evil Homer]

if petter ends up in a c4 it may as well be a bloody one make series, the amount of c4's around...

I count 4 - Loeb, Sordo, Ogier and Raikkonen

Same number as Focus when they have 2x M-Sport, plus Wilson and one other at Stobart.

[Rallyper]

I count 4 - Loeb, Sordo, Ogier and Raikkonen

Same number as Focus when they have 2x M-Sport, plus Wilson and one other at Stobart.

Don´t forget Grönholm in Focus next year. Starts with Sweden and then we+ll wait and see for more... :)

[MJW]

Don´t forget Grönholm in Focus next year. Starts with Sweden and then we+ll wait and see for more... :)

Is this Gronholm deal with MSport linked with the PSWRT? Becaus ethere was talk of collaboration between Petter and Marcus, as well as other names like PG, and even Kimi before his deal with Red Bull paving the way to Citroen.

[Tomi]

Is this Gronholm deal with MSport linked with the PSWRT?

Not long time ago there was an interview here with Malcolm Wilson, he said they are trying to put together a program for Bosse, no mention of petter then, read Kai Lindströms interview also, then you understand how much theese all rumours has weight.

[Rallyper]

Not long time ago there was an interview here with Malcolm Wilson, he said they are trying to put together a program for Bosse, no mention of petter then, read Kai Lindströms interview also, then you understand how much theese all rumours has weight.

But Marcus in Swedish rally is not only rumours. :D

[Tomi]

But Marcus in Swedish rally is not only rumours. :D
No its not, he supposed to start in Sweden + a few other rallies too, but in what team and so on is rumours, from where would petter find the money to run Grönholm too.

[MJW]

from where would petter find the money to run Grönholm too.
From my guess it was a portfolio of sponsors from the Nordic (note not Scandinavian) countries. A Norwegian, Swede and Finn in the same team. At this stage in the game lots of things nearly happen, and then change and dont become public knowledge.........

[Simmi]

You would hope that there would be sponsor interest in such a high profile pairing. I mean that is a proper team that packs a punch. Two ex-World Champions. Hopefully some companies will step in to make it happen.

[Tomi]

At this stage in the game lots of things nearly happen

Yes, and almost 10% of things suppost happening is true, the rest imagination :)

[MJW]

Friends re-united?
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/wp-content/uploads/20091207-151509-2.jpg

[Tomi]

Friends re-united?
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/wp-content/uploads/20091207-151509-2.jpg

lol, yes sure, but Grönholm has always made good contracts, and been driving Fords now after he stopped too, somehow i have a feeling that he would get better terms and equipment by him self, a little same situation like with Kimi.

[Brother John]

lol, yes sure, but Grönholm has always made good contracts, and been driving Fords now after he stopped too, somehow i have a feeling that he would get better terms and equipment by him self, a little same situation like with Kimi.

If Marcus will drive in Sweden he will drive with a Ford. :up:
I reed this on a website in Sweden!
Grönholm says this"Jag älskar tävlingen och vill vara med ännu en gång. Men någon större comeback har jag inte planerat".
• Det har pratats om att du skulle slå dig samman med Petter Solberg?
– "Ja, men det blir nog inte det utan jag kör Ford i så fall".
• Är det helt klart?
– "Inte hundra. Men det löser sig säkert".

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Bilsport/Dubbla-drombesked-for-Svenska-Rallyt-091204.aspx
:up:

[N.O.T]

did you just post Gronholms interview in swedish ???

[janvanvurpa]

did you just post Gronholms interview in swedish ???

Grönholm is Finland-svensk. Naturally he's be speaking Swedish...

I presume you can't read it and want a translation. Itäs just a slight variation of Norther English dialect really.

Grönholm says this"Jag älskar tävlingen och vill vara med ännu en gång. Men någon större comeback har jag inte planerat".
• Det har pratats om att du skulle slå dig samman med Petter Solberg?
– "Ja, men det blir nog inte det utan jag kör Ford i så fall".
• Är det helt klart?
– "Inte hundra. Men det löser sig säkert".

"I love the race and want to be there yet one more time.
But any bigger comeback I have not planned."

*Interviewer: "people have said that you should throw yourself in with Petter Solberg.."
"Yeah, but it won't happen without driving Ford in such case"

*Interviewer: "is that completely done (deal)?

"Not (one)Hundred (percent). But it'll solve itself certainly"

Happy NOT?
NOT not happy? hur faen kunde det ske?

[N.O.T]

thank you

[Gard]

Happy NOT?
NOT not happy? hur faen kunde det ske?
:D

[bennizw]

Nice one ;)

[Sulland]

Would be soo cool with Gigi and Petter teaming up !

They need spons from Mad Croc !! :s mokin:

[Rallyper]

Petter in C4 in Rally Sweden.

Maybe that has been known for a while, or...?

[pettersolberg29]

Great! Not known, but guessed. Where did you get confirmation?

[Micke_VOC]

Great! Not known, but guessed. Where did you get confirmation?

http://www.rallysweden.com/wrc/?page_id=231

[pettersolberg29]

Thanks Micke - lets hope he can battle up top for a win rather than for a podium.

[JFL]

I believe he will drive a C4, and have for a while. But(big but) it's possible to change car even that he entered with C4.. So there is a possibility that he will enter in something different..

[bluuford]

I believe he will drive a C4, and have for a while. But(big but) it's possible to change car even that he entered with C4.. So there is a possibility that he will enter in something different..
Yes, in the same class you can change your car.

[swordsman]

Petter has bought two Citroen C4 WRC from Citroen Sport. Budget expected to be in place during next week, announcement about the team for 2010 short after that.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Petter updated his Facebook. Must be good news!

[Viking]

http://www.pettersolberg.com

Petter Solberg will drive a Citroën C4 WRC, 2009 spec, in 2010. Two rally-cars are bought from Citroën Racing, and Petter will use both cars in the 2010 championship.

- After several, and tough, discussions with Citroën Racing, we have now come to an agreement, which enables me to really fight in top, says Petter Solberg. – We hope to have the full budget in place at the end of next week, and hope to present the 2010 Petter Solberg World Rally Team and sponsors just after.

[grugsticles]

Fantastic news.
Im wondering how much control he has over the cars in terms of engine mappings etc.

[Helstar]

Engine mappings etc. of clients can't be like works cars obviously. Unless you are another Sebastian ... then you take 2010 spec ^^

[Gard]

Engine mappings etc. of clients can't be like works cars obviously. Unless you are another Sebastian ... then you take 2010 spec ^^
2010 spec? does that exist? Thought all had to be 2009 spec

[bluuford]

2010 spec? does that exist? Thought all had to be 2009 spec

No more homologation allowed for WRcar in 2010 so, all factory cars will be 2009 spec. 2010 cannot exist.

[MikeD]

www.pettersolberg.com (http://www.pettersolberg.com)

Petter Solberg will drive a Citroën C4 WRC, 2009 spec, in 2010. Two rally-cars are bought from Citroën Racing, and Petter will use both cars in the 2010 championship.

- After several, and tough, discussions with Citroën Racing, we have now come to an agreement, which enables me to really fight in top, says Petter Solberg. – We hope to have the full budget in place at the end of next week, and hope to present the 2010 Petter Solberg World Rally Team and sponsors just after.

That's damn good news :) ohh boy and poor Ford are still stuck with JML and with more tarmac in 2010 they won't stand a chance on any of the titles.

It's gonna be a walkover from Citroën.

PS: Do you know if PSWRT will be an M2/MT team? - or if they will stay out of the pathetic teamorders from both Ford and Citroën.

[Kamikaze]

PS: Do you know if PSWRT will be an M2/MT team? - or if they will stay out of the pathetic teamorders from both Ford and Citroën.

PSWRT will for sure get no teamorders from Ford :rolleyes:
But if Loeb need Points, guess what happens............

[Macd]

PSWRT will for sure get no teamorders from Ford :rolleyes:
But if Loeb need Points, guess what happens............

I think what was meant was that both citroen and ford hand out team orders to their drivers. PSWRT will have none of this.

[Viking]

That's damn good news :) ohh boy and poor Ford are still stuck with JML and with more tarmac in 2010 they won't stand a chance on any of the titles.

It's gonna be a walkover from Citroën.

PS: Do you know if PSWRT will be an M2/MT team? - or if they will stay out of the pathetic teamorders from both Ford and Citroën.

Petter? teamorders?? last time was in 2001 :D
But he is a businessman so I guess he could strike a deal..

[GigiGalliNo1]

what happens if Petter is quicker than Loeb? Will he be told to slow down in deal for money for future rounds and support? How will this play out?

Though there isn't much difference between the 09 spec of Loeb and Petter Citroen's (as said) but i don't believe this.....

[Viking]

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6716&desc=EXCLUSIVE%20Petter%20Solberg%20Q&A

Petter Solberg Q&A

"No, I will not rent out the C4 to anybody else. I'm not planning that at all. If somebody wants to join me this year they're going to have to rent the Xsara. I currently have two Xsaras, but I'm going to sell one. I will keep the other because it's such good fun to drive."

[Micke_VOC]

Petter will test the C4 in the Swedish local rally "Finnskogsvalsen" 23 January .

[Gard]

I Wonder. FX is now full time hired for PSWRT and not longer working directly for Citroen Racing. Does PSWRT have to use Citroen engineers in 2010? does this mean that PSWRT have full control over the car?

[MikeD]

what happens if Petter is quicker than Loeb?

:rotflmao: good one ... I needed that :rotflmao:

[Tomi]

what happens if Petter is quicker than Loeb?
When you see that happen, try to sleep long as possible.

[N.O.T]

the world would be a dull place without Solberg fans and their brilliant ideas....

[pettersolberg29]

(ignore my name)

Solberg could be one place ahead of Loeb if Loeb crashes or something. He may not be quicker, but he may be ahead in a rally.

[JFL]

Solberg will be at least 0,5sec slower then Loeb per km.

[Francis44]

Solberg will be at least 0,5sec slower then Loeb per km.
Cool I see you have a crystal ball, please tell me how many seconds Kimi Raikkonen will loose to Loeb per Km.

[JFL]

It's not only me that have a crystal ball as you can see here... Kimi will be on average 1.sec. slower, but he will outpace him on the fast sections.. ;)

[pettersolberg29]

Kimi will not be within 0.5 sec/km of Petter, and that's not just being biased. However Petter probably will be about 0.5 sec/km slower than Loeb on average, although I can see Petter challenging for one or two wins this year - not necessarily winning, but at least challenge well.

[JFL]

a win if not possible, unless all the factory drivers and maybe the Junior team screws up..

[Tomi]

My guess is that Petter will be a little slower than last year, maybe on par with Ogier or a bit slower, and Kimi will be very close if not faster on tarmac.

[Viking]

My guess is that Petter will be a little slower than last year, maybe on par with Ogier or a bit slower, and Kimi will be very close if not faster on tarmac.

Then Kimi will be fast :up: Petter was 0,2 s/km off Loeb`s pace in Spain and he won 4 stages.

[Helstar]

2010 spec? does that exist? Thought all had to be 2009 spec
Same. Clients and Juniors won't take same Loeb and Sordo engine mapping anyway (except the other Sebastian, of course...).


:rotflmao: good one ... I needed that :rotflmao:

When you see that happen, try to sleep long as possible.
As already explained above, I think he meant what if Petter happens to find himself in front of Loeb like Rautencrash and Novikov did in a couple of rallies last year when Loeb had troubles ?
Will he park his car for half an hour to let him pass ? He wanted to know about team-orders, that's it ... no need to go mental, you fanboys ^^

Ps. Anyway I always remember you all that Petter is still now the last driver in the world who has beated Mr.Perfection

[macksrallye]

Ps. Anyway I always remember you all that Petter is still now the last driver in the world who has beated Mr.Perfection

Last full time competition driver to beat Mr Perfection to a World Championship is what I think you mean (just so this doesn't start a war of words).

[N.O.T]

Cool he can join the HAS BEEN club now....it has a lot of memebrs you know

[grugsticles]

Question: In regards to engine mapping, does anyone know for sure if a rally team such as PSWRT actually has access to edit their own engine mappings on their own dyno or are they only allowed to receive engine maps from the manufacturer to use?
I assume WRCars use something similar to a top of the line Motec ECU for engine control. Such units are very powerful in what they can control.
So whats to stop a private team spending testing days on a dyno to get the most out of their engine package.

[Gard]

Question: In regards to engine mapping, does anyone know for sure if a rally team such as PSWRT actually has access to edit their own engine mappings on their own dyno or are they only allowed to receive engine maps from the manufacturer to use?
I assume WRCars use something similar to a top of the line Motec ECU for engine control. Such units are very powerful in what they can control.
So whats to stop a private team spending testing days on a dyno to get the most out of their engine package.

€ and time. Citroen has thousands of hours in all sorts of climates, worth of data and experience

You will not get competitive mappings from a dyno. You get a engine that start and run clean in that enviroment.

[Gard]

Cool he can join the HAS BEEN club now....it has a lot of memebrs you know

He will also be the first to take Loeb down again :eek: You don't seriously think Loeb will beat Petter with equal machinery :D

[N.O.T]

of course not !!! Thank god Solberg drives the undertuned xsara and the championship has some interest....

[Gard]

of course not !!! Thank god Solberg drives the undertuned xsara and the championship has some interest....

Finally, we agree...

[grugsticles]

€ and time. Citroen has thousands of hours in all sorts of climates, worth of data and experience

You will not get competitive mappings from a dyno. You get a engine that start and run clean in that enviroment.
I can understand that the factory tune for each event is very specific, but in the real world would it equate to more than 10 bhp difference between the highly specific factory map and the privately tuned equivalent?
I refuse to believe that 10bhp is the cause of seeing 1 car minutes faster then another over a few hours of competition. There must be more to it.

[JFL]

0,2 sec pr km turns out to be alot in the end of a rally. Over 1 minute in NORF..

[Viking]

0,2 sec pr km turns out to be alot in the end of a rally. Over 1 minute in NORF..

0,2 should be 1 minute in most rallies, since min distance for wrc rally is 300 km ;) but you will, even these days, wery often be on the podium if you are 1min behind the winner.

[rv65]

Loeb says the Citroen has pretty much frozen the C4 WRC's development but they might do a few minor tweaks to it.

[eppel]

Loeb has a better transmission than even Sordo I think. Petter will never get that.

[N.O.T]

Loeb has a better transmission than even Sordo I think. Petter will never get that.

lol

[bluuford]

Loeb says the Citroen has pretty much frozen the C4 WRC's development but they might do a few minor tweaks to it.

They are not allowed to homologate new parts. development of WRcars is completely finished by now. They can only play with the settings.

[Tomi]

Loeb says the Citroen has pretty much frozen the C4 WRC's development but they might do a few minor tweaks to it.

same situation at ford too.

[Viking]

Petter gets Citroën (Norway) backing :up:

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citroen.no%2FCWD%2FNO%2FPress%2 FLatest%2Bnews%2FCitro%25C3%25ABn%2BNorge%2Binng%2 5C3%25A5r%2Bsponsoravtale%2Bmed%2BPetter%2BSolberg %2BWRT.htm%3Fwbc_purpose%3D%26WBCMODE%3D&sl=auto&tl=en

[6789]

Petter gets Citroën (Norway) backing :up:

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citroen.no%2FCWD%2FNO%2FPress%2 FLatest%2Bnews%2FCitro%25C3%25ABn%2BNorge%2Binng%2 5C3%25A5r%2Bsponsoravtale%2Bmed%2BPetter%2BSolberg %2BWRT.htm%3Fwbc_purpose%3D%26WBCMODE%3D&sl=auto&tl=en
Awesome, looks like Petter will do a full season!! Go Petter, look out Mikko And Seb :)

[Tom206wrc]

Very interesting that Citroën Norway has become Petter's sponsor and that he bought two C4s !!!! :)

[grugsticles]

I for one am keen to see just how much Petter pushes Ford's and Citreon's number 1 drivers.
Maybe this season, on selected events, there will be a handful drivers with a REAL chance of winning?!?!?

[Barreis]

:)

[eppel]

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/wp-content/uploads/20100122-113006-1.jpg

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/wp-content/uploads/20100122-104506-1.jpg

[bluuford]

I think if FIA wants to reduce the costs drastically they should introduce new rule: rear bumper for the rally cars driving on winter rally is optional :-)

[Langdale Forest]

That's a bit pointless.

[Sulland]

LF: I think it was meant as a big joke !

Where is your UK sense of humor ? :p

[Langdale Forest]

It's not in Norway, that's for sure!

[pettersolberg29]

Those pictures any hint of a new livery? Looks like a red bumper and black first half of the car. Could just be the test livery.

p.s. Sulland - most of us in the UK still have our sense of humour!

[Micke_VOC]

Videos from Petter testing the C4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68Y-W4jz9PE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agP10oODOfo

[L5->R5/CR]

Those pictures any hint of a new livery? Looks like a red bumper and black first half of the car. Could just be the test livery.

p.s. Sulland - most of us in the UK still have our sense of humour!

Could also be that the car, since Petter allegedly has now 2 C4s, came in red and hasn't been fully repainted...

It would stand to reason that the cars provided to him by Citroen Sport were at one point largely or entirely red.

Then again, it could be part of the Citroen Norway sponsorship...

[Francis44]

Those pictures any hint of a new livery? Looks like a red bumper and black first half of the car. Could just be the test livery.

p.s. Sulland - most of us in the UK still have our sense of humour!

New Sponsor so I guess the livery will have some changes if not completely new.

[Viking]

Petter doing roadside service in rally Finnskogsvalsen

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/wp-content/uploads/20100123-121507-1.jpg

http://www.pettersolberg.com

[pettersolberg29]

Is there a way to follow the rally today?

[swordsman]

Is there a way to follow the rally today?

Only if you speak Swedish I'm afraid... http://www.radiofryksdalen.se has rally radio.
I just tuned in and will try to give some reports on my twitter (http://www.twitter.com/maxattackblog). Right now they're just talking bull on the radio, though :D

[pettersolberg29]

Thanks - I'll be following it this afternoon!

[pettersolberg29]

Any photos from Finnskogsvalsen?

[swordsman]

Any photos from Finnskogsvalsen?

Yep, there are photos on backmansfoto.se. There are also two youtube videos if you search for finnskogsvalsen. One is an interview and one is action shots. I made a short summary in English of what was said in the interview and posted it to my blog, so if you don't speak Swedish/Norweigan you might want to take a look.

[pettersolberg29]

Thanks swordsman - very helpful. I'm starting to recognise Norwegian I read it so much but there are some idioms I still can't get.

[Gard]

At finnskogvalsen Petter said that the main difference between his car and Loebs is the gearbox. Loebs is 4 kg lighter. Petter had been offered the gearbox for € 1.000.000 :eek: Should be cheaper ways to save 4 kg :rolleyes:

[pettersolberg29]

Yeah - he said he would have to lose 4kg himself ;)

[Langdale Forest]

His hair must weigh more than that now! :D

[N.O.T]

At finnskogvalsen Petter said that the main difference between his car and Loebs is the gearbox. Loebs is 4 kg lighter. Petter had been offered the gearbox for € 1.000.000 :eek: Should be cheaper ways to save 4 kg :rolleyes:

LOL ..... nice nice i see the propaganda started early this year....

[Langdale Forest]

Now what does that 'Solberg excuses' mean then?

[pettersolberg29]

N.O.T - out of interest, what would you do or think if Petter did end up winning the 2010 WDC, or even if he won a couple of rallies? You seem to put him down so much, but would you be willing to eat your words?

I'm not saying Petter will win, but just wondering what your reaction would be if he did.

[Langdale Forest]

It is very unlikeley that he will win the WDC, so don't worry.

[pettersolberg29]

I know that but just wondering if N.O.T is capable of giving credit where it's due.

[Langdale Forest]

I don't think he is capable of giving credit.

[swordsman]

Listening to Petter I don't think this gearbox thing was in any way meant as an excuse. He just underlined that it's expensive to be on top - and at the same time he indicated that he has better things to do with that amount of money that probably gives more result... That's my interpretation.

[pettersolberg29]

That's everyone's opinion except N.O.T's!

[N.O.T]

N.O.T - out of interest, what would you do or think if Petter did end up winning the 2010 WDC, or even if he won a couple of rallies? You seem to put him down so much, but would you be willing to eat your words?

I'm not saying Petter will win, but just wondering what your reaction would be if he did.

LOL...ok

[Micke_VOC]

One picture from Finnskogsvalsen...

He had really good speed..

[janvanvurpa]

Thanks swordsman - very helpful. I'm starting to recognise Norwegian I read it so much but there are some idioms I still can't get.

They still speak it up North, most of the place names are obviously from just across the water.

Best thing is to say things aloud, LISTEN and it makes much more sense, so say it yourself, you'll hear.

[Viking]

Petter has planned 26 days of testing this season as his "secret" weapon against the works drivers who are limited to 15?

http://www1.nrk.no/nett-tv/sport/spill/verdi/121534

[raybak]

Would be interesting to see the differences in the gearbox. Are the bearings better, the shafts made of titanium or unobtanium? I can't see the cost in those sort of dollars. I know what it takes to build a good gearbox and I don't think there's that sort of money there.

Ray

[cali]

Would be interesting to see the differences in the gearbox. Are the bearings better, the shafts made of titanium or unobtanium? I can't see the cost in those sort of dollars. I know what it takes to build a good gearbox and I don't think there's that sort of money there.

Ray

You missed one point - intellectual property of whoever invented/designed this gearbox, problably biggest cost since this product is not in mass production.

[grugsticles]

Would be interesting to see the differences in the gearbox. Are the bearings better, the shafts made of titanium or unobtanium? I can't see the cost in those sort of dollars. I know what it takes to build a good gearbox and I don't think there's that sort of money there.

Ray
I agree, it certainly would be an interesting lesson in engineering design!
I had to laugh at Petters comment about having to loose 4kg to counter act the weight difference between the 2 gearboxes.

On the topic of different components, I was under the impression that there were to be no new homological components for the 2010 season and any performance gains would be found purely in setup of existing components.
If Petter has a 2009 car, how can Loab and Sordo have a different gearbox?
Have I missed something?

[pettersolberg29]

I'm just guessing, but I'd have thought it's just the standard car given to everyone except Loeb and maybe Sordo. Ogier, Kimi and Petter's car is probably early 2009, whereas Loeb and Sordo will have the last evolution of it from late 2009. Not a huge difference.

[N.O.T]

Mr Solberg should stop living in his own universe and realise that if he was good enough he would be chosen by a manufacturer....now that he is a HAS BEEN with no future or present in the sport he has to realise that he cannot get the same equipment for free....this is a plus for him since all the yes men and himself have excuses ready.

No other privateer in the history of the sport cries like that all the time....its getting ridiculous....if he likes rallying and wants to stay in the frame he must shut up and enjoy driving. Generating excuses all the time leads no where.

[pettersolberg29]

N.O.T - I get your point but surely Petter is a unique example. He is one of the most talented privateers in recent times and surely deserves a Manufacturer seat ahead of JML, or in any other time there would be more than 2 manufacturers to choose from. He is the 4th best rally driver in the world in most people's views - and that reputation is based on driving cr@p cars since 2004 and even a 5 year old car last year.

And you go on about excuses - he has put forward no excuses since he got a C4. His reasons for failure in the Xsara were obvious - it's an old and slow car. He also had a reason for poor performancs in the two events with the C4 - everyone needs a couple of rallies to get used to a new car. 2010 will be different - he can have a bit of leeway (sp?) in Sweden for his first event but after that there are no excuses except lack of technical support perhaps. Let's wait till a few rallies in before we rubbish Mr. Solberg.

[Viking]

Mr Solberg should stop living in his own universe and realise that if he was good enough he would be chosen by a manufacturer....now that he is a HAS BEEN with no future or present in the sport he has to realise that he cannot get the same equipment for free....this is a plus for him since all the yes men and himself have excuses ready.

No other privateer in the history of the sport cries like that all the time....its getting ridiculous....if he likes rallying and wants to stay in the frame he must shut up and enjoy driving. Generating excuses all the time leads no where.

N.O.T When I want to be old and grumpy you will be my role model :)

Petter is just saying that is very little differences between his and Loeb`s car, he probably has the same car as Ogier and Kimi, he also says that he will try to make up the differences by being better in other areas testing, fitness, team spirit and such.

He also says he hasn’t been so confident at the start of the season since 2004 :up:

[Rallyper]

Mr Solberg should stop living in his own universe and realise that if he was good enough he would be chosen by a manufacturer....now that he is a HAS BEEN with no future or present in the sport he has to realise that he cannot get the same equipment for free....this is a plus for him since all the yes men and himself have excuses ready.

No other privateer in the history of the sport cries like that all the time....its getting ridiculous....if he likes rallying and wants to stay in the frame he must shut up and enjoy driving. Generating excuses all the time leads no where.

FCOL - N.O.T what person are you?

It seems you want to misunderstand everything about Petter. Why are you so against him?

If a journalist asks you answer - right? Is that an excuse or what?

Petter need as every driver to have a good relation to media and sponsors. That means you´ll hear a lot and every thing that he said recently isnt about excuses.

Please go to chatroom for girls if you so much like to make jealousy of other people. Teenage girls like that. :mad:

[Gard]

Mr Solberg should stop living in his own universe and realise that if he was good enough he would be chosen by a manufacturer....now that he is a HAS BEEN with no future or present in the sport he has to realise that he cannot get the same equipment for free....this is a plus for him since all the yes men and himself have excuses ready.

No other privateer in the history of the sport cries like that all the time....its getting ridiculous....if he likes rallying and wants to stay in the frame he must shut up and enjoy driving. Generating excuses all the time leads no where.

Yeah, and according to Quesnel, the main reasons for not putting Petter in instead of Sordo. The spanish market is important to Citroen... Petter and Loeb in the same team, could be more difficult to handle (reading: Petter would probably not slow down, if needed)

[Fide]

The most interesting thing is thread actually has 90700 views. It says Mr. Solberg has the capacity to make the people talk about him (meanwhile the rest are really boring.....). It also implies publicity, money, sponsors attraction and charism... Something I don't see since Gronholm, Mc Rae, etc. I also think Mr. N.O.T. enjoys writing against him because nobody will reply if he talk about i.e. Ogier or Rautenbach. Lets see whats happen with Petter this year; I bet he will be fighting to win

[N.O.T]

Yeah, and according to Quesnel, the main reasons for not putting Petter in instead of Sordo. The spanish market is important to Citroen... Petter and Loeb in the same team, could be more difficult to handle (reading: Petter would probably not slow down, if needed)

he slowed down for Burns so i cannot see why he wouldn;t for Loeb.....but better hire an up and comming driver than a HAS BEEN paper champion.

[Fide]

he slowed down for Burns so i cannot see why he wouldn;t for Loeb.....but better hire an up and comming driver than a HAS BEEN paper champion.

Lousy....... you makes me sick.

[Iskald]

he slowed down for Burns so i cannot see why he wouldn;t for Loeb.....but better hire an up and comming driver than a HAS BEEN paper champion.

It must be the bitterness and envy of not once in history having a greek world class rally driver to support, that makes you write crap like this. :disturb:

[Alpha]

Translation for the video posted earlier (NRK.no (http://www1.nrk.no/nett-tv/sport/spill/verdi/121534)):

Petter: "That was the best run yet, it worked well right off the bat. The car is so beautifully balanced."

Commentator: "...This year he'll be fighting on equal teams with the works Citröen drivers. Q: Will you be allowed to win?"

Petter: "They have said, and we have agreed upon that I can fight and fight to win. There will be no team orders or anything like that since we're driving the same car. And I have to trust them when they say that."

Petter (after playing around about eating or not eating the sausage): "I've planned 26 days of testing this year, which is nine days more than Loeb. So we're trying to do everything better with regards to both car testing and physical fitness."

[Donney]

I for one wish him the best and I love to see how he is really doing an effort to compete instead of giving up or making scarce appearances at selected rounds. I will support him this year.

[cali]

It must be the bitterness and envy of not once in history having a greek world class rally driver to support, that makes you write crap like this. :disturb:

That's a bit unfair towards others (read: normal greeks), isn't it? :)

[Langdale Forest]

Mr Solberg should stop living in his own universe and realise that if he was good enough he would be chosen by a manufacturer....now that he is a HAS BEEN with no future or present in the sport he has to realise that he cannot get the same equipment for free....this is a plus for him since all the yes men and himself have excuses ready.

No other privateer in the history of the sport cries like that all the time....its getting ridiculous....if he likes rallying and wants to stay in the frame he must shut up and enjoy driving. Generating excuses all the time leads no where.

I am looking foward to your reaction when he does win a rally! :p

[Langdale Forest]

It must be the bitterness and envy of not once in history having a greek world class rally driver to support, that makes you write crap like this. :disturb:

I think I will agree with that. ;)

That is a 'N.O.T excuse' :uhoh:

[Iskald]

To continue the thread: Petter Solberg confirmed today that he is ready to take part in the "Svully Rally Dahbi" event coming saturday in Norway. Here he will meet (among others) Marcus Grønholm in direct competition.

"Svully Rally Dahbi" is an invitation rally, based in the little community Svulrya in the Finnskogen area, close to the border of Sweden. It has in earlier years been a central point and service area for the "Rally Finnskog" european championship rally. The unique thing about this rally is that it has nearly no road sections at all. Three different stages will be run around Svulrya in a loop, and the loop will be run three times. Total number of stages is nine, totalling 140 km SS-distance. Road sections will in total be something like 10-15 kms. So competitors will actually drive a full WRC-event one-day SS-distance with nearly no road sections at all, in only a few hours.

In addition to Petter Solberg and Marcus Grønholm, Andreas Mikkelsen, Patrick Sandell and PG Andersson wil also drive in this event - as it is a great opportunity to test ahead of Rally Sweden. The location of the "Svully Rally" is - as mentioned - close to the swedish border and not far away from stages in the swedish WRC-event. Road caracterics are quite similar to Rally Sweden.

[Tom206wrc]

To continue the thread: Petter Solberg confirmed today that he is ready to take part in the "Svully Rally Dahbi" event coming saturday in Norway. Here he will meet (among others) Marcus Grønholm in direct competition.
...



Link to follow the event ??? :confused:

[pettersolberg29]

Don't think there is one. I've searched far and wide with no luck.