Petter Solberg WRT

[Barreis]

Yeah.. After 3 km's you'll beg for a mercy.. xd

[Iskald]

Petters order

- Notereading in English
- professional (top level wrc experience)
- Fitness and weight (this rules out Iskald who has heavy bones ;) )

I`m fat and fit (!) - but I`m also retired, and that should rule me out once and forever ;)

Anyway, my point is that lots of posts here underestimate the level of codriving skills Petter is looking for (to replace and fill the boots of Phil Mills).
Another thing about Phil, that Petter surely will miss. He has had complete organizing skills, which is required in top level rallying today. Codriving for a WRC-driver is much more than notereading, and some codrivers aspiring for a top WRC job will be very surprised to experience the amount of work and commitment needed.

[Sulland]

Petter will hold Shoot Out for the Co-Driver spot !

http://www.rallybuzz.com/petter-shoot-out-codriver/

[grugsticles]

Petter will hold Shoot Out for the Co-Driver spot !

http://www.rallybuzz.com/petter-shoot-out-codriver/
Free joy rides? :D



Ok... maybe not :(

[Juha_Koo]

Anyway, my point is that lots of posts here underestimate the level of codriving skills Petter is looking for (to replace and fill the boots of Phil Mills).
Another thing about Phil, that Petter surely will miss. He has had complete organizing skills, which is required in top level rallying today. Codriving for a WRC-driver is much more than notereading, and some codrivers aspiring for a top WRC job will be very surprised to experience the amount of work and commitment needed.

Concerning this, I have dreamed for few years about somekind of documentary film about professional co-driver(s). Ofcourse there's always been some small clips about them but they are never "deep" enough to totally understand the level of precision and commitment required. A hefty 1,5 hour-long document would be great. :s mokin:

[Sulland]

Any news on this one ?

[bassist]

Free joy rides? :D



Ok... maybe not :(
Yea, any news on his next Co=Pilot?????????

[Hartusvuori]

New codriver for Petter Solberg (http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/2010/06/29/ny-kartleser-for-petter-solberg/)


The decision was made yesterday, and the new codriver is 41 year old Chris Patterson. Chris started as a codriver in 1998, and has been alongside many drivers, like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Kris Meeke, for the past years. He is 5 times Middle-East Champion and won the 2006 PWRC.


Quote Petter Solberg;
- I am very happy with Chris as my new codriver, and I am confident that our partnership will be good in the car. We did a really tough test yesterday, and Chris delivered perfectly all the time. He has a long experience as a codriver, and that was really important to me. I know it will be a challenge in Bulgaria, but we are both more than ready for the rally there and to fight in the lead.


Quote Chris Patterson;
- It feels like a big task to be asked to replace a codriver like Phil Mills, but when the offer came from Petter after the test yesterday, I knew I just had to do it. I’ve been a codriver for 12 years, and hopefully my experience will help me now, as the first rally is coming up in a few days. I so look forward to this job, and is 110% ready for the challenge!
The new duo starts with testing in Bulgaria this weekend, and the first rally is in Bulgaria 8. – 11. July 2010.

[maxter]

Glad Petter found someone he's happy with! Can't say I know the guy from before but he seems like a really good choice. Best of luck to them in Bulgaria.

[bassist]

Do we know who else was in the frame with Chris?

[N.O.T]

i don't think we are going to find out from solberg, maybe those that didn't get the job will come out and say.

[Pinto]

i belive the shootout was a smoke screen no such event took place.
Great to see an irishman in a top wrc seat,
all the best to Chris Patterson nice guy and a top nav.

[tolis]

Do we know who else was in the frame with Chris?
Have a look here: http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=profile&driverid=323

[bretddog]

Q&A with Chris (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=8140&desc=Chris+Patterson+Q%26A), Seems the shootout indeed was quite an event..

I think Petter made a great choice. Let's just hope they will "click" when it comes to the real stages.. A challenge, but I feel quite positive and even excited now.

http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=8140&desc=Chris+Patterson+Q%26A

[Hartusvuori]

That Q&A still leaves the BIGGEST question unanswered: how much does Chris weight? ;)

[ProRally]

That Q&A still leaves the BIGGEST question unanswered: how much does Chris weight? ;)

More than Ilka Minor but less then Phil :D :D :D :D

[Fide]

Does anybody know if there exist any problem with Petter sponsors ? I just viewed couple of pictures of his practice previous Bulgarian race and his har is clear of any advertice in both sides...... In the front I recall he had a huge advertise from MadCroc and now just a Shell advertise. Does it related in any way with Phill's departure ?????

[Francis44]

Does anybody know if there exist any problem with Petter sponsors ? I just viewed couple of pictures of his practice previous Bulgarian race and his har is clear of any advertice in both sides...... In the front I recall he had a huge advertise from MadCroc and now just a Shell advertise. Does it related in any way with Phill's departure ?????

I dont think there is a problem with sponsors, the car is yet to arrive at service park so they didn't start to put all the stickers on.

[Barreis]

Petter is the key player.. If I tell my friend about Phil's retirement from the sport he will look at me like a blind man.. But he knows who's Petter Solberg very well..

[JFL]

I have heard that Mad Croc is bankrupt. I was at the ERC race in Sweden this weekend and talked to some people.. I don't know if you guys remember, but there was a C4 in RC raced by Pinomaki.. MadCroc all over the car.. He has lost them too..
And another car with MaDCroc sponsor did'nt show up.. (Kjell Arne Smerud, in the Olsberg Fiesta)

This is not certain.. But a guy with a lot of knowledge about whats going on told me..
Time will show..

[blissard]

Congratulations to Petter. Third place (almost second) is a great result, being his second rally with the C4 on asphalt, and first with the new co-driver!

"In fact, the first stage win today is Chris´ first WRC stage win ever. Great news for him, and great for us too - because it means he has to pay for the beer on Sunday evening!" ;)

[HaCo]

Yep, awesome result. They will have to watch out for him in Finland!

[ProRally]

I have heard that Mad Croc is bankrupt. I was at the ERC race in Sweden this weekend and talked to some people.. I don't know if you guys remember, but there was a C4 in RC raced by Pinomaki.. MadCroc all over the car.. He has lost them too..
And another car with MaDCroc sponsor did'nt show up.. (Kjell Arne Smerud, in the Olsberg Fiesta)

This is not certain.. But a guy with a lot of knowledge about whats going on told me..
Time will show..

Would not surprise me.....

[Red bull]

will solberg also get a DS3 for 2011 from citroen or has to stick with the c4?

[6789]

will solberg also get a DS3 for 2011 from citroen or has to stick with the c4?
I dont think there will be any pount sticking with a C4, no where to rally it

[Red bull]

then we might see the end of him this season as no any other team has proposed him.

[Red bull]

I dont think there will be any pount sticking with a C4, no where to rally it
you mean they wont be entered by any private teams for privateer drivers,what a waste it ll be after all the years of devolpement :eek: :confused:

[J.Lindstroem]

you mean they wont be entered by any private teams for privateer drivers,what a waste it ll be after all the years of devolpement :eek: :confused:

They will be banned from the Wrc after this year.

[MJW]

My guess is Petter gets a DS3 with Citroen Norway - however before that happens two key events will have to play out as Citroen will only have 4 DS3's at tthe start of the season.
1. Does Loeb hang around in WRC.
2. Does Ogier actually go to Ford.
I think Petter has a better chance with Citroen than MSport Ford.
The only place for Petter's C4's are European Rallycross or national championships that still allow WRC cars.

[Red bull]

ok that makes it clear lets hope he gets a drive from citroen norway as loeb shows no sign of retiring maybe if kimi is to go back to F1 might be a great chance for him to drive for the junior team.

[MJW]

ok that makes it clear lets hope he gets a drive from citroen norway as loeb shows no sign of retiring maybe if kimi is to go back to F1 might be a great chance for him to drive for the junior team.

Yes the Kimi Factor should also be considered. Maybe the MasterCard money paves the way for him to Renault F1. Based on those possibilities maybe Loeb,Solberg and Sordo and Neuville make up the 4 DS3 pilots

[J.Lindstroem]

Yes the Kimi Factor should also be considered. Maybe the MasterCard money paves the way for him to Renault F1. Based on those possibilities maybe Loeb,Solberg and Sordo and Neuville make up the 4 DS3 pilots

So do you believe Ogier will go to Ford? :)

[Red bull]

So do you believe Ogier will go to Ford? :)
could be yes or no 50/50 chances bcause if ogier was sure of staying at citroen he would have made it clear as soon as the news had reached the media,instead he said he ll make his decision b4 finland means theres still some arm twisting going on ;)

[noel157]

Yes the Kimi Factor should also be considered. Maybe the MasterCard money paves the way for him to Renault F1. Based on those possibilities maybe Loeb,Solberg and Sordo and Neuville make up the 4 DS3 pilots

No sure Neuville is ready for WRC. Maybe another year away yet. He needs another season in IRC.

[alleskids]

So effectively there will only be 8 cars in the 2011 WRC ? All WRcars are banned, so everybody else has to stick to group N cars?

[J.Lindstroem]

Skoda said they was interested in building 1,6T cars... But i havn't heard anything more about that.

[AndyRAC]

So effectively there will only be 8 cars in the 2011 WRC ? All WRcars are banned, so everybody else has to stick to group N cars?

Can't they 'grandfather' the current WRCars, to ensure a reasonable entry?

[alleskids]

I heard Skoda is considering a 1,6T, from the VW group range, but not before 2012.
So WRC 2011 wil be:
Citroen, 4 cars (Loeb, Ogier, Sordo, Raikkonen/PSolberg)
Ford, 4 cars (Hirvonen, Latvalla, Wilson, Al Qassimi? ?
plus group N Subaru's, Mitsubishi's for everybody else who wants to do WRC H Solberg, P Solberg)

Will S2000 still be allowed to, with a lot of restrictions so they do not spoil the Citroen/Ford party?

[maxter]

S2000 should be allowed in their current form, but no further homologation will be possible after the end of this year. That's how I've interpreted it.

But yeah, for starters there will only be the works cars in the WRC class, I doubt Citroen or Ford will be able to produce enough cars to supply privateers before the start of the season. And we can just forget about any other works teams joining the party for 2011 I think, we'll have to wait atleast another year for that.

[ProRally]

S2000 should be allowed in their current form, but no further homologation will be possible after the end of this year. That's how I've interpreted it.

But yeah, for starters there will only be the works cars in the WRC class, I doubt Citroen or Ford will be able to produce enough cars to supply privateers before the start of the season. And we can just forget about any other works teams joining the party for 2011 I think, we'll have to wait atleast another year for that.

Also the S2000 have still 'jokers' in the their current homologation

[mm1]

What about Mini, they should have some cars on the grid aswell (unless the project is dead).

[HaCo]

No skoda 1.6T in 2011, they will keep on concentrating on the 2l:
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/h/schlagzeilen/archiv/d15/d/2010/06/29/skoda-vorerst-ohne-turbo/index.html

[Mintexmemory]

No sure Neuville is ready for WRC. Maybe another year away yet. He needs another season in IRC.

Thierry N certainly looked good in Bulgaria in JWRC but was a fair bit off the pace in Ypres and only finished as high as he did because of the retirements of others. Abbring or Weiss Jr probably have as much chance of a Citroen drive as Weiss already has shown well in the Citroen JWRC and Abbring was quicker than Gp N cars in his Clio at Ypres.
Why not Meeke?

[Francis44]

No skoda 1.6T in 2011, they will keep on concentrating on the 2l:
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/h/schlagzeilen/archiv/d15/d/2010/06/29/skoda-vorerst-ohne-turbo/index.html

Pitty, when and if they are making the 1.6T car, it will be already late. Competition will evolve and they will be some years trying to catch them performance wise, and it will end like the Fabia WRC.

[noel157]

Thierry N certainly looked good in Bulgaria in JWRC but was a fair bit off the pace in Ypres and only finished as high as he did because of the retirements of others. Abbring or Weiss Jr probably have as much chance of a Citroen drive as Weiss already has shown well in the Citroen JWRC and Abbring was quicker than Gp N cars in his Clio at Ypres.
Why not Meeke?

Yes, why not Meeke? I agree. He's out of contract at the end of the season.
Guess a lot depends on Ogier's plans and to some extent Prodrive as well, if indeed they actually have any plans.....

[gravelman]

:(
Yes, why not Meeke? I agree. He's out of contract at the end of the season.
Guess a lot depends on Ogier's plans and to some extent Prodrive as well, if indeed they actually have any plans.....

Didn't Quesnel more or less tell Meeke a while back that if he was French hed be driving the car, but due to the fact that Ireland and Britain dont bring much to the party for Citroen commercially he wouldnt be getting a seat :(

[AndyRAC]

:(

Didn't Quesnel more or less tell Meeke a while back that if he was French hed be driving the car, but due to the fact that Ireland and Britain dont bring much to the party for Citroen commercially he wouldnt be getting a seat :(

I find that really sad. Though a similar thing happened with McRae in 2004; Citroen had to choose between Sainz and Colin - and as Spain is a much bigger market to Citroen, it was basically a no brainer.

[JFL]

Its the WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP..

[Tomi]

I find that really sad. Though a similar thing happened with McRae in 2004; Citroen had to choose between Sainz and Colin - and as Spain is a much bigger market to Citroen, it was basically a no brainer.

Dont you think that the results played a role too?, Sainz was by far better than McRae.

[N.O.T]

I find that really sad. Though a similar thing happened with McRae in 2004; Citroen had to choose between Sainz and Colin - and as Spain is a much bigger market to Citroen, it was basically a no brainer.

Telefonica did the deal...no market thing.

[Rallyper]

Telefonica did the deal...no market thing.

Absolutely right. They brought the money. And Sainz went to be the driver.

[AndyRAC]

Dont you think that the results played a role too?, Sainz was by far better than McRae.

Yeah, of course I'm aware of that, but apparently - the deal could have been done, but Citroen UK weren't interested in using Motorsport as part of their marketing campaign!!
Until more Manufacturers join and there are plenty of seats, things like this will continue to happen, sadly.

[Red bull]

solberg should swallow his pride and talk to ford to drive one of the fiestas in 2011 as fact is age is catching up on him and many young drivers are popping up,by 2012 he might end up like mcrae..good driver with no team to sign him.

[Gard]

solberg should swallow his pride and talk to ford to drive one of the fiestas in 2011 as fact is age is catching up on him and many young drivers are popping up,by 2012 he might end up like mcrae..good driver with no team to sign him.

Why? because you believe the Fiesta will be a better car? or do you think Petter will not get a DS3?

Which is going to be the best car remains to see. As of now the Fiesta probably is ahead. For the engines we don't know anything. Other than the Citroen has a better 2.0T

[Red bull]

Why? because you believe the Fiesta will be a better car? or do you think Petter will not get a DS3?

Which is going to be the best car remains to see. As of now the Fiesta probably is ahead. For the engines we don't know anything. Other than the Citroen has a better 2.0T
because hes not a citroen driver just a privateer and i dont think he can agree to be no2 to loeb,thats why ogier is planning to move to ford. :s mokin:

[Gard]

because hes not a citroen driver just a privateer and i dont think he can agree to be no2 to loeb,thats why ogier is planning to move to ford. :s mokin:

As a privateer, he can do almost what he wants. And remember it's not WRC cars anymore. Wilson is no better than Quesnel.

[Red bull]

problem is PS world rally team is not a manufucturer teamand will still depend on one of the two teams for a car in 2011

[6789]

Petter has launched his merchandise store for 2010. The team shirt looks pretty cool

http://www.pscollection.no/no/t-shirts.html

[noel157]

:(

Didn't Quesnel more or less tell Meeke a while back that if he was French hed be driving the car, but due to the fact that Ireland and Britain dont bring much to the party for Citroen commercially he wouldnt be getting a seat :(

True but hopefully things have changed since then.

[WRCfan]

Am I the only one that has a very strong dislike for that twit Quesnel?

[Tomi]

:(

Didn't Quesnel more or less tell Meeke a while back that if he was French hed be driving the car, but due to the fact that Ireland and Britain dont bring much to the party for Citroen commercially he wouldnt be getting a seat :(

Maybe you can post a link to the a link to the full story?

[Karukera]

Tomi, he can't because it's the other way round.
Citroën expressed some real interest for Meeke as for the UK market, the main issue was, again, down to a question of money and that's why it failed despite both sides efforts. Meeke certainly won't deny it.

And as far as rumors go, it is said that the UK motorsport body wasn't that much intesrested. Even heard Fréquelin in an interview (after some testing with Meeke) saying he was surprised and disapointed at how the project got them bored...

Don't always blame the manufacturer... Loeb, Ogier, Sordo, the Finns and many others woulnd't have made it to the WRC, hadn't they been helped by someone in their own countries, whether the motorsport body, managers, private companies, etc.

[AndyRAC]

Tomi, he can't because it's the other way round.
Citroën expressed some real interest for Meeke as for the UK market, the main issue was, again, down to a question of money and that's why it failed despite both sides efforts. Meeke certainly won't deny it.

And as far as rumors go, it is said that the UK motorsport body wasn't that much intesrested. Even heard Fréquelin in an interview (after some testing with Meeke) saying he was surprised and disapointed at how the project got them bored...

Don't always blame the manufacturer... Loeb, Ogier, Sordo, the Finns and many others woulnd't have made it to the WRC, hadn't they been helped by someone in their own countries, whether the motorsport body, managers, private companies, etc.

A sad state of affairs for the sport in the UK. We often hear that the UK is a big market for the WRC, but in reality, is it?

[J.Lindstroem]

Petter has launched his merchandise store for 2010. The team shirt looks pretty cool

http://www.pscollection.no/no/t-shirts.html

Looks like a wolfshirt. NICE!

[I am evil Homer]

Tomi, he can't because it's the other way round.
Citroën expressed some real interest for Meeke as for the UK market, the main issue was, again, down to a question of money and that's why it failed despite both sides efforts. Meeke certainly won't deny it.

And as far as rumors go, it is said that the UK motorsport body wasn't that much intesrested. Even heard Fréquelin in an interview (after some testing with Meeke) saying he was surprised and disapointed at how the project got them bored...

Don't always blame the manufacturer... Loeb, Ogier, Sordo, the Finns and many others woulnd't have made it to the WRC, hadn't they been helped by someone in their own countries, whether the motorsport body, managers, private companies, etc.

Exactly...Citroen has a big presence in the UK so Meeke would be a great choice.

He's also far better than the likes of Duval, PG etc.

[JFL]

So this means, that you have to be from a country that sells a lot of Citröens or Euro Fords, to make it in the WRC. .
The Finns must be here on borrowed time then? What about Swede's, Norwegians, Danish, Dutch, Icelandics, Russians, Americans, Australians, + + + +. .
Or if you're really lucky to have insanely much money and maybe not much talent..or if you're a really really really good talent,, that also is a really good sponsorhunter..

[I am evil Homer]

No not at all merely that Meeke is both talented (IMO faster than everyone aside from Loeb, Ogier and maybe Hirvonen on a good day) and makes sense from a marketing perspective. Peugeot runs TV and print adverts in the UK with him in them.

[noel157]

Tomi, he can't because it's the other way round.
Citroën expressed some real interest for Meeke as for the UK market, the main issue was, again, down to a question of money and that's why it failed despite both sides efforts. Meeke certainly won't deny it.

And as far as rumors go, it is said that the UK motorsport body wasn't that much intesrested. Even heard Fréquelin in an interview (after some testing with Meeke) saying he was surprised and disapointed at how the project got them bored...

Don't always blame the manufacturer... Loeb, Ogier, Sordo, the Finns and many others woulnd't have made it to the WRC, hadn't they been helped by someone in their own countries, whether the motorsport body, managers, private companies, etc.

The other way around? Please explain.
I think you're confusing various instances over the years where Meeke's future was discussed and yes, money was an issue. Citroen have always had an interest in him and he continues to test for them in R3 and WRC (C4 in the past and now DS3).
Quesnel did say to Meeke that if he was French things would be rather different.
As for no support from UK motorsport bodies, what's new.

[Karukera]

No not at all merely that Meeke is both talented (IMO faster than everyone aside from Loeb, Ogier and maybe Hirvonen on a good day) and makes sense from a marketing perspective. Peugeot runs TV and print adverts in the UK with him in them.

It sure makes sense, however before joining in a full WRC program he needs some extra support and that's where a national governing body can help.

By the way, Quesnel or anyone else at Citroën never said his nationality was an issue, on the full contrary. But some naives still want to believe that silly rumor and blame it on others in the vaccuum of local manufacturers, go figure... :s tare:

[noel157]

It sure makes sense, however before joining in a full WRC program he needs some extra support and that's where a national governing body can help.

By the way, Quesnel or anyone else at Citroën never said his nationality was an issue, on the full contrary. But some naives still want to believe that silly rumor and blame it on others in the vaccuum of local manufacturers, go figure... :s tare:

Strangely enough a person who was involved in the conversation with Quesnel and Meeke would disagree with you. But, hey, you know better.

[Karukera]

Since this is PSWRT thread i will make it short.
I humbly know a little on the matter.
Don't get affected by words out of the context :) . Quesnel, Citroën and PSA actually want Meeke.

[noel157]

Since this is PSWRT thread i will make it short.
I humbly know a little on the matter.
Don't get affected by words out of the context :) . Quesnel, Citroën and PSA actually want Meeke.

The "if you were French" (what actually was said was something akin to - "things would be easier if you were French") comment was relevant to the situation at the time.
Please don't call others naive no matter how humble you consider yourself.
Wanting a driver is of little importance, doing something about it is what matters. But that may change.

[Karukera]

"Things would be easier if you were French", do you really need a translation in the context ? : you would be helped by french local companies and the FFSA (French Federation), no nationality discrimination with that.

More discussion ? let's go pm :) .

[noel157]

"Things would be easier if you were French", do you really need a translation in the context ? : you would be helped by french local companies and the FFSA (French Federation), no nationality discrimination with that.

More discussion ? let's go pm :) .

PMs? Not worth it, I'm getting bored :) Why would I need a translation? I was always aware of the implications. I've just realised where you thought I was coming from! You thought I simply supposed that because Meeke was not French that that was the only reason, ie discrimination. I think most were aware of why Quesnel made the statement. Anyway, as I said things may develop more favourably soon. Be good if we get more competitive drivers in the WRC.

[Karukera]

as I said things may develop more favourably soon. Be good if we get more competitive drivers in the WRC.

Pm was only meant to be courteous toward the thread :p .

Seriously, i agree, and with the new format attracting more manufacturers, it could be of some real advantage to him.
Speed + reliability and his "value" should raise rapidly.

[Koppomsbo]

this is a onboard video from my friends Crosskart fron this weekends round of the Norwegian Championship in Crosskart..

See if you recognize the guy celbrating his win in the end :D ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrmCmP-ofKA

[JFL]

this is a onboard video from my friends Crosskart fron this weekends round of the Norwegian Championship in Crosskart..

See if you recognize the guy celbrating his win in the end :D ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrmCmP-ofKA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUAF_RnDiqE
spectators view..

[JFL]

After listening to Oliver Quesnel on WRRadio today, it sounded like he is allready started to make up excuses if Loeb did'nt win or catch Solberg. And the excuse was that Hirvonen was out and that there was nothing more to risk. manu-points was the most important.. Well.. that make me just wanna puke..
No point in driving any more stages then...

[N.O.T]

After listening to Oliver Quesnel on WRRadio today, it sounded like he is allready started to make up excuses if Loeb did'nt win or catch Solberg. And the excuse was that Hirvonen was out and that there was nothing more to risk. manu-points was the most important.. Well.. that make me just wanna puke..
No point in driving any more stages then...

well he has a point...Loeb has o reason to push and take unnecessary risks in such a dangerous event...but the best of all is not to draw conclusions that early in the rally. Many things can change and happen to everyone here so no reason to declare winners and losers that early.

[JFL]

Yeah, but if any other then Loeb wins, we know the excuse.. It's allready made..
I guess it's no point in watching it.. ? lol
But I hope Loeb will fight to win.

[Mirek]

When Loeb was here in one rallyshow last year he did an interview for one TV talk show. It wasn't all about rally but when he was asked if he feels scared sometimes when driving, he said: "Yes, in Finland I do."

[JFL]

Quote Marcus Grönholm: Bravery is everything in Finland

[Red bull]

are we seeing the last of p solberg in wrc this year,no team is proposing him not even rumours to suggest any possibilites :( :mad:

[pettersolberg29]

I think Sordo and Kimi's future is vital to determine Petter's future. If either of them leave Citroen, then surely Petter is next in line. Malcolm Wilson is also stupid if he doesn't offer him a seat in the second team at least - he's far better than Henning and Wilson, and is as good as Mikko and JML in my view.

[N.O.T]

I think Sordo and Kimi's future is vital to determine Petter's future. If either of them leave Citroen, then surely Petter is next in line. Malcolm Wilson is also stupid if he doesn't offer him a seat in the second team at least - he's far better than Henning and Wilson, and is as good as Mikko and JML in my view.

LOL...

what makes you think he is next in line for citroen ? because he bought a car from them ? Sordo is under contract...Kimi will be replaced by another paying driver and same goes for Henning...in other words if solberg wants to drive he has to pay. If solberg puts his hand in his pocket once more he could even be works driver depending how deep he searches inside the pocket.

The days that Solberg is going to get payed to drive are over.

[Red bull]

i dont see sordo leaving citroen at moment as hes also facing the same dilema with no team intrested in him apart from maybe vw in late 2012,as with kimi he still wants to prove something in wrc b4 he heads back to F1,mini is already crowded with potential drivers fighting for the seats,its really a pity for the sport. :o

[WRCfan]

I am pretty sure Petter would not drive for anyone else. He has fought too hard to get to where he is to step into a works team. The way he has talked and all the people who have sacrificed to get him up and going, would be good for Petter, but a massive kick in the balls for those who keep the team running.

[bretddog]

I don't think Petter will have any second thoughts about putting down the team. He has had a couple comments the last rallies about "what he could do if they get in a factory team", so he really seems to want that. At the moment he seems not in a position to take risks that can wreck his car, which he needs to take to get any better results. But he will not do it for nothing; He wants a competitive car obviously.

[pettersolberg29]

what makes you think he is next in line for citroen ? because he bought a car from them ? Sordo is under contract...Kimi will be replaced by another paying driver and same goes for Henning...in other words if solberg wants to drive he has to pay. If solberg puts his hand in his pocket once more he could even be works driver depending how deep he searches inside the pocket.

The days that Solberg is going to get payed to drive are over.

I never said he'd be a payed driver, but surely if Petter approached either team next year then they would be foolish to reject him.

[pino]

Back from Finland and once again...I've enjoyed every single pass of Petter :D pity he didn't finished on podium, he deserved it :up:

[alleskids]

What is the main reason that he lost this unique change to finally win again? I mean, he was closest to Hirvonen when he roled, Solberg had the best change of his post -Subaru life to win again. Why did he lost so much time? car? roadposition? mentaly unwilling to go 101%??

[Tomi]

I never said he'd be a payed driver, but surely if Petter approached either team next year then they would be foolish to reject him.

Dont you think he has been approaching the teams every year? Maybe the teams dont find any use of him.

[A.F.F.]

What is the main reason that he lost this unique change to finally win again? I mean, he was closest to Hirvonen when he roled, Solberg had the best change of his post -Subaru life to win again. Why did he lost so much time? car? roadposition? mentaly unwilling to go 101%??

Or laptopguys from the team Citroen ??

One doesn't have to even read between the lines from Petter's comments that he was told that his fourth postition was "acceptable" by the team Citroen. :mark:

Hopefully Petter is a factory driver next year or having a different manu in order to push unlimited....

[Brother John]

LOL...
The days that Solberg is going to get payed to drive are over.


I told this already a year ago! ;) :D

[White Sauron]

Could you please help me with advice?
Does Petter use the pace-notes systems in which numbers mean sharpness of turn, or does he use a system in which numbers are intended for gears?
If not Petter, who uses english pace-notes with (numbers-turn) correlation?
And where is it possible to find some kind of glossary with standard definitions and terms used in english notes?
Thanks in advance!

PS: sorry in advance, didn't know where else to ask this question,

[tmx]

Clearly like Colin notes, I will assume the numbers represent sharpness of turns. Except Petter notes are more loaded, Colin notes are more simplified. It doesn't make sense to represent gears because how can he tell what exact gears to use at all times and makes for inflexible driving.

[Viking]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yssUx26PVjI (Mills)

good upwriting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacenotes

[bt52b]

Here's a comparison of different note types
http://www.rallynews.net/pattersonpacenotes/systemtypes.asp

[White Sauron]

Thank you very much for your help, guys!

[Xsara Fan]

http://twitter.com/Becsywecsy/status/22514668404

2 car entry for petters team in France apparently!

[pettersolberg29]

Exciting stuff!

[N.O.T]

very nice...but who ?

[6789]

very nice...but who ?

Duval ditching the Ford?

[noel157]

very nice...but who ?

PG? Duval?

[J.Lindstroem]

Awsome ****. Impossible for me to guess who!

[6789]

Maybe Yvan Muller?

http://twitter.com/Evan_Rothman/status/22591363157

[handbrakes&hairpins]

I have heard this rumour now from TWO very reliable sources...

[Francis44]

Maybe Yvan Muller?

http://twitter.com/Evan_Rothman/status/22591363157

Huh nothing to expect move along.

[Blitzerflitzer]

New Rumors ?

Solberg last exit 2011 ford (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/top/topnews/d16/d/2010/08/31/solberg-letzter-ausweg-ford/index.html)

Short Version: Citroen build only 4 DS3 WRC for the 2011 Season. 2 Cars First Team, 2 Cars Junior-Team, no new Car for Petter.

If he want a 2011 WRC-Car, he has to talk with Malcolm.

[I am evil Homer]

Well that's putting two and two together and suggesting Ogier will join Ford. Look how that turned out.

No way Citroen will only have 4 running DS3s. So if Loeb or Ogier writes one off they have no car for the rest of the season? Or does Kimi/Sordo lose their seat? Perhaps they mean they only want 4 people to have the DS3 in 2011 which makes more sense.

[Francis44]

I think they said 4 at the beggining of the season, perhaps the first rally, but honestly they should have more around March, and if they dont, that puts them in a bad situation, as Ford said they wil have 10 cars ready to race in the beggining of 2011.

[noel157]

To be honest I think all this stuff about Citroen only having 4 DS3 WRC cars available for the start of the season is nonsense.

[Sulland]

Duval ditching the Ford?

Duval likes driving the Xsara, and on asfalt it is probably better than the newest Focus, and not far from the C4 !!

[JFL]

One of the Xsara is for sale and the other one is being abused around parkinlots and racetracks.. maybe the other C4 is for rent.. Would help him alot with the budget I guess.. ?

[Viking]

Okey. Muller, Xsara

http://www.touringcartimes.com/article.php?id=5192

[I am evil Homer]

Hmm...interesting move but I like Yvan and he's done well in ice racing so good on him for bringing money and getting the drive in France.

[Pinto]

I have heard this rumour now from TWO very reliable sources...

you got it spot on,intresting to see how hes pace wise to kimmi

[I am evil Homer]

However to not confuse things (as its in this thread) he isn't being entered by PSWRT but Automeca using Solberg's old Xsara

[Red bull]

am still not sure of peter solbergs plans for 2011 all teams have nominated their drivers already,not even rumours to keep us exited :o

[JFL]

Still private!! What car he's driving is not 100% decided..But close... Will not come out until all is 110% ready... ;)

[Viking]

Petter is moving from Monaco to.. Sweden!!! Nu jävlar! :) maybe we can read into this where his team will be based..

[grugsticles]

Petter is moving from Monaco to.. Sweden!!! Nu jävlar! :) maybe we can read into this where his team will be based..
...or he's running out of money and had to sell?

[MJW]

I think you will find Petter and family have been spending a bit of time at home for a while. Monaco life is ok when you are paid a big salary and need an efficient tax regeime. As a place to live, who knows, always seems a bit single man, F1 lifestyle to me

[JFL]

the appartment in Monaco was maybe expensive but it was'nt like that expensive.. It was just a little flat, with one bedroom +++ ;)

[Red bull]

to be frank i dont see any way out for him...maybe..maybe if he has striked a deal with citroen to build for him an extra car apart from their official team cars :s mokin:

[Fide]

WE are almost in October..... So anybody has an idea about Solberg plans for next year ?????

[MJW]

WE are almost in October..... So anybody has an idea about Solberg plans for next year ?????
He will be in WRC most likely with his own team. As there are only two (real) option cars whether its a DS3 or Fiesta RS. Initially Citroen said there would be no DS3 for him, however with Kimi unconfirmed, and possibly Red Bull leaving Citroen, maybe Citroen Norway gets their wish to have Petter in a DS3 - who knows maybe with Mad Croc? Citroen Norway is very keen to have PS representing them. Having said that what will happen to Ford's ongoing oil contract with BP (after the oil spill in USA).....PS has links with Shell - that might come in handy. Plenty of time yet.

[JFL]

Solberg Extreme Motorshow 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyN-5C3Q1IU&feature=player_embedded

[Bobcat]

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.tv2underholdning.no/broom/motorsport-wrc-bli-med-og-velg-bil-for-petter-solberg-3305923.html

[6789]

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.tv2underholdning.no/broom/motorsport-wrc-bli-med-og-velg-bil-for-petter-solberg-3305923.html

Malcolm should give Petter a job!

[Fide]

It could be good, but don't know if Malcom has some "agenda" with him regarding some issues in the past when Petter moved to Subaru. Also, Malcom could have given a place this year to him in the B team were his son made lousy performances and to compite strongly for manufacturers points BUT he didn't.....

[Viking]

There might be an DS3 for Petter after all...

French http://www.caradisiac.com/WRC-2011-5-Citroen-DS3-WRC-pour-l-an-prochain-une-pour-Solberg-62292.htm

Googleenglish http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caradisiac.com%2FWRC-2011-5-Citroen-DS3-WRC-pour-l-an-prochain-une-pour-Solberg-62292.htm

[I am evil Homer]

So it seems they do have 5 cars or will have....also bear in mind Kimi in Citroen is not confirmed and may not happen.

[WRCfan]

Citroen should be giving Petter a car to keep him as a on-side player. If he heads to Ford with a Fiesta then he could give them headaches considering his speed this year.

Best to keep the toughest rivals under the same umbrella.

keep your friends close and your enemies even closer

[M5]

I am sure Skoda is coming in to WRC in 2012, so Petter should start thinking long term. Drive S2000 in 2011 and help develop the Fabia WRC.

[Tomi]

I am sure Skoda is coming in to WRC in 2012, so Petter should start thinking long term. Drive S2000 in 2011 and help develop the Fabia WRC.

have they asked him already ?

[N.O.T]

I am sure Skoda is coming in to WRC in 2012, so Petter should start thinking long term. Drive S2000 in 2011 and help develop the Fabia WRC.

yes at the age of 35 is a perfcet opportunity to think long term....

Skoda prefer to be kings in the village than peasants in the big city...and i don't blame them. A wrc car needs more time and money to run and develop and the results will never be as good as they are now in IRC.

[MJW]

Personally with Petter rurning 36 in November I reckon he would be better commiting to a customer DS3 for 2 years rather than wait to see if a mystery (mythical) manufacturer like VW, Skoda or Toyota actually do commit and have a car that is actually any good. Citroen Norway are very happy with the sales increase in Norway since Petter has been associated with them, maybe its time to step up and exert their influence and fund an importer team, to compliment the official RedBull team. I understand both Sordo & Raikkonen can be in the Junior team, but if they find the funding.

[Tomi]

Personally with Petter rurning 36 in November I reckon he would be better commiting to a customer DS3 for 2 years rather than wait to see if a mystery (mythical) manufacturer like VW, Skoda or Toyota actually do commit and have a car that is actually any good. Citroen Norway are very happy with the sales increase in Norway since Petter has been associated with them, maybe its time to step up and exert their influence and fund an importer team, to compliment the official RedBull team. I understand both Sordo & Raikkonen can be in the Junior team, but if they find the funding.

Then back to the reality for a while again, Petter will propably drive the car that he can find sponsoring for like usual, this year was already difficult for him to find enough money, and it wont get any easier.
Sordo again has a good spokesman in Carlos, and because he is the only guy in Spain who can drive rally, it should not be too difficult for him to find money.
Kimi if he really want to continiue driving he can get the money easily, just by putting the hand in the pocket, if he cant find someone who want to pay.

[MJW]

Its quite obvious that Kimi is a very, very wealtht man whi could fund a good few years wrc driving without a big dent in his bank account. However, I think his management need him ti be in a funded / paid drive for their fees. Sordo on the other hand will probably find it harder to get the money with the way Spain's economy is,and I dont think the Carlos factor is so strong anymore, especially since the split with Marc Marti, who was Carlos' last co driver in wrc.

[Barreis]

WRC is very sick when you can find paid drivers on fingers of one hand.. How much Kimi earned from Ferrari contract?! Very bad for sport promotion..

[alleskids]

I was thinking the same, who wil pay Sordo next year, now thathe is set back to the junior team? Is he still a paid works driver, or a paying custumor? Red Bull will not pay anymore for 4 cars, but only for the Sebastien squad. Will we see Sordo in a DS3 WRCar coverd by Spanisch sponsors, like in 20006 in the Kronos Xsara?

[Tomi]

I was thinking the same, who wil pay Sordo next year, now thathe is set back to the junior team? Is he still a paid works driver, or a paying custumor? Red Bull will not pay anymore for 4 cars, but only for the Sebastien squad. Will we see Sordo in a DS3 WRCar coverd by Spanisch sponsors, like in 20006 in the Kronos Xsara?

I belive that Sordo has to find some sponsors, but that Citroen might pay a part of his driving, its good to remember that Loeb wont be in rally after next year, Sordo might be a good choise then again for Citroen.

[Barreis]

Anyway, this's all sick.. It started to be an amateur sport for really rich guys..

[Daniel]

Anyway, this's all sick.. It started to be an amateur sport for really rich guys..
Some people on the forum seem to welcome these sick village dogs with open arms for some reason.....

[muscrae]

Pablo MACHI from http://www.rallyreportnewsworld.com announces from facebook page that Petter Solberg will be official Citroen driver, along with Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier in 2011. The news translated via Google Translate is below. But the question is, is it in accordance with FIA rules, maintaining more than two drivers in the works team? No, I don't think so, it was in question to be reorganized as far as I'm concerned, any comments?


Petter Solberg official Citroën will race in the 2011 WRC

Gallic group has determined that the structure will have three units made official its new weapon DS3 WRC of 1.6 cm3, with the big news of the inclusion of Norwegian Petter Solberg in the formation of the team based in Versailles in France.
With Sebastien Loeb Sebastien Ogier and the two other versions of the Citroën WRC 2011 that was presented at the Paris Motorshow with great success a few days ago.
While the Junior squad will have two cars WRC DS3 his new developments for its pilots, the Spanish "Dani" Deaf with the support of the subsidiary of the double chevron from Spain and promoted Kimi Raikkonen will continue under the command of Benoit Nogier with the financial support of Red Bull from Switzerland.
This indicates that the French brand is tipped with a dream team with Loeb and Solberg Ogier to go in search of repeating the title of the discipline among builders and pilots facing Ford with his usual staff of Hirvonen and Latvala Fiesta each with a new-generation RS WRC.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/wwwrallyreportnewsworldcom/petter-solberg-sera-piloto-oficial-de-citroen-en-el-wrc-2011/153624328006073

[6789]

Pablo MACHI from www.rallyreportnewsworld.com (http://www.rallyreportnewsworld.com) announces from facebook page that Petter Solberg will be official Citroen driver, along with Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier in 2011. The news translated via Google Translate is below. But the question is, is it in accordance with FIA rules, maintaining more than two drivers in the works team? No, I don't think so, it was in question to be reorganized as far as I'm concerned, any comments?

Thats awesome if true, Ford won't go too good then

[grugsticles]

Good for Petter I guess but does that mean that Petter would then be subject to team orders?
I presume that he would be a Junior team entry with Dani.
I guess Kimi will either go back to F1, or switch to Monster Ford.

[Rallyblog]

A manufacturer may/must enter with 2 cars, but can enter with more than 2 drivers.
The first car has a fixed driver and codriver.
The drivers of the second car may be changed for each rally.

So, what are the options for Solberg to get into a DS3?

Share a car with Ogier. Solberg and Ogier as well won't settle for that.[/*:m:2onmz2x2]
Loeb retires (he has a contract for 2011, but maybe he changes his mind), Ogier first car, Solberg second car or vice versa (Big if, but I don't think so).[/*:m:2onmz2x2]
Solberg will continue with his private team and gets the fifth DS3.[/*:m:2onmz2x2]
Solberg can't get the budget right and retires (I don't think so, Solberg is in his second youth, competing at the top)[/*:m:2onmz2x2]
Solberg joins the junior team.[/*:m:2onmz2x2]

[bluuford]

A manufacturer may/must enter with 2 cars, but can enter with more than 2 drivers.
The first car has a fixed driver and codriver.
The drivers of the second car may be changed for each rally.

So, what are the options for Solberg to get into a DS3?

Share a car with Ogier. Solberg and Ogier as well won't settle for that.[/*:m:1e4p1zfh]
Loeb retires (he has a contract for 2011, but maybe he changes his mind), Ogier first car, Solberg second car or vice versa (Big if, but I don't think so).[/*:m:1e4p1zfh]
Solberg will continue with his private team and gets the fifth DS3.[/*:m:1e4p1zfh]
Solberg can't get the budget right and retires (I don't think so, Solberg is in his second youth, competing at the top)[/*:m:1e4p1zfh]
Solberg joins the junior team.[/*:m:1e4p1zfh]

Every manufacturer can have a third car as well. This car is just not nominated for the points but can use the latest machinery. Qassimi was third official car in BP Ford this year for example. That means Citroen services the car and has all the rights to do whatever they want with the car. Then there is no possibility to dream about such a thing like Solberg World Rally Team anymore.
However. This is not cleared what kind of machinery can be used by those drivers who are not competing under official Manufacturer umbrella (This year they were not allowed to use the latest machinery, but starting from next year... only the latest machinery is allowed :-)).

[Rallyblog]

Every manufacturer can have a third car as well. This car is just not nominated for the points but can use the latest machinery.

You're right indeed, so that would mean that Solberg joins the Citroën team (and in return supplies budget to run a manufacturer serviced DS3).
He can score points for the drivers championship but not for the manufacturer championship. Only when he swaps places with Ogier for certain rallies.

I't s a good option but it would be a pity of all the money invested in the Solberg WRT. He's so close to winning on 'own force'.

[MJW]

You're right indeed, so that would mean that Solberg joins the Citroën team (and in return supplies budget to run a manufacturer serviced DS3).
He can score points for the drivers championship but not for the manufacturer championship. Only when he swaps places with Ogier for certain rallies.

I't s a good option but it would be a pity of all the money invested in the Solberg WRT. He's so close to winning on 'own force'.
There is still Wales GB to go. I reality winning, and winning regularly is a massive ask for a private team. Petter's team is a true private team with very sparse resources unlike the Kronos private team of 2006 or even the David Sutton Rothmans private team of 1981 when Ari was champ.

[Tom206wrc]

Exciting if Solberg is 3rd official driver at Citroën Racing :bounce:

[alleskids]

I have trouble believing it. Why ban Sordo to the junior team, while he knows everyone and everythink from the senior team, and is the second best tarmac driver and has a long lasting furure ahead of him and give his place to Solberg? Why not run Sordo as third works driver and switch nominations between Ogier and Sordo, as it is working pretty good this year?
Petter wil have troubles fitting in the team and act to instructions of the Citroen managers and engineers

[Tomi]

I have trouble believing it. Why ban Sordo to the junior team, while he knows everyone and everythink from the senior team, and is the second best tarmac driver and has a long lasting furure ahead of him and give his place to Solberg? Why not run Sordo as third works driver and switch nominations between Ogier and Sordo, as it is working pretty good this year?
Petter wil have troubles fitting in the team and act to instructions of the Citroen managers and engineers

Agree, but you cant deny you get a good laugh every time you read one idea more weird than the other.

[Daniel]

Agree, but you cant deny you get a good laugh every time you read one idea more weird than the other.
I hear they're dumping the two Seb's and Dani and employing Galli and Solberg :laugh:

[Tomi]

I hear they're dumping the two Seb's and Dani and employing Galli and Solberg :laugh:

lol, a real dream team :laugh:

[Rallyper]

If it´s true I think it opens for PG in Ford factory team as well. :)

[Gard]

I have trouble believing it. Why ban Sordo to the junior team, while he knows everyone and everythink from the senior team, and is the second best tarmac driver and has a long lasting furure ahead of him and give his place to Solberg? Why not run Sordo as third works driver and switch nominations between Ogier and Sordo, as it is working pretty good this year?
Petter wil have troubles fitting in the team and act to instructions of the Citroen managers and engineers
Senior or junior, it's the same team. They can use Sordo for manu points for whatever rally they like. Only #1 driver is locked. For me this solution seems very logical. They can use a third driver, but he can't get manu points. This way they can rent out a top spec car and they have full control over it.

Problem is that Citroen can't hand over their latest and most valuable technologies, to a private team. Without making sure, the "secrets" don't get out. This way, they can get the best from both.

What happens to PSWRT is another question. They probably just need to change their team shirts. S2000 or IRC could also be alternatives.

I think it would be a good solution If it would happen, I don't know.

[MJW]

The mechanics from PSWRT are from FXG Racing in France. Top rally mechanics change teams quite often, its not a career with a lot of job stabilty!. Almost everything else is a physical asset, trucks, awnings etc. These csn be sold or used in racing, rallycross, irc or whatever.

[Viking]

You're right indeed, so that would mean that Solberg joins the Citroën team (and in return supplies budget to run a manufacturer serviced DS3).
He can score points for the drivers championship but not for the manufacturer championship. Only when he swaps places with Ogier for certain rallies.

I't s a good option but it would be a pity of all the money invested in the Solberg WRT. He's so close to winning on 'own force'.

This is probably spot on, running in the "A" team will give him insuranse of having the best (latest) parts on his car, nobody knows the rules for "B" teams yet.

I guess we will see that his car will look wery different from Loeb/Ogier car, how (much) he can incorporate PSWRT into the manu team will be down to negotiation.

[Viking]

Being entered by the official Citroën team will offcource also ensure them that they wont be beat by a privater ;)

[Sulland]

Not everything in place yet, but close:
Google-English: http://translate.google.no/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrksport.no%2Fmotorsp ort%2F1.7336452&sl=no&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

[tmx]

I know Petter wants to win, but I rather see Petter win in IRC than slowing down by team order for the Sebastians in WRC.


Being entered by the official Citroën team will offcource also ensure them that they wont be beat by a privater ;) I hope Petter invalidate that in Wales this year.

[grugsticles]

I hope Petter invalidate that in Wales this year.

Ditto.
If Petter is going to win a rally anytime soon, it has got to be RallyGB this year, doesnt it?
I mean, Leob has the title already, Ford seem to have lost the plot totally IMO or are focusing on the future, and Ogier may be the only real competitor with maximum motivation.

Go Petter!

[Priorat]

Ditto.
If Petter is going to win a rally anytime soon, it has got to be RallyGB this year, doesnt it?
I mean, Leob has the title already, Ford seem to have lost the plot totally IMO or are focusing on the future, and Ogier may be the only real competitor with maximum motivation.

Go Petter!

I think it has a chance in Catalunya with the first day being gravel. He has a good start position on Friday and enough pace on tarmac.

[blissard]

Petter racing around in a DS3: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=no&tl=en&u=http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/10/16/sport/petter_solberg/rally/dan_borge_akero/haddy_njie/13865780/&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhe5OE-0BnLrenxMYJGSUhEBk89PA

(Newspaper incorrectly says it's a C4)

[Karukera]

I mean, Leob has the title already, Ford seem to have lost the plot totally IMO or are focusing on the future, and Ogier may be the only real competitor with maximum motivation. Go Petter!

Don't think so. Both manufacturers and pilots will want to add a line in their résumés : " Winner of the last 2l WRC rally. "

[gravelman]

Petter racing around in a DS3: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=no&tl=en&u=http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/10/16/sport/petter_solberg/rally/dan_borge_akero/haddy_njie/13865780/&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhe5OE-0BnLrenxMYJGSUhEBk89PA

(Newspaper incorrectly says it's a C4)

Hard to read into that, whether its a PR exercise for Citroen Norway (obviously!) or a ploy to show his commitment to the Citroen brand to sway the decision of Mr Quesnel for the 2011 season

[Tom206wrc]

Petter racing around in a DS3: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=no&tl=en&u=http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/10/16/sport/petter_solberg/rally/dan_borge_akero/haddy_njie/13865780/&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhe5OE-0BnLrenxMYJGSUhEBk89PA

(Newspaper incorrectly says it's a C4)


It shakes a lot(see the shivering inside cameras)must be terribly uncomfortable on such gravel terrain :s

[Tom206wrc]

An american sponsor for Petter Solberg in 2011 ??? :confused:

[Sulland]

Which one ?

[Tom206wrc]

John Henry, a figure of NASCAR(team owner)and owner of american soccer team, according to Autohebdo ;)

[Bobcat]

John Henry, a figure of NASCAR(team owner)and owner of american soccer team, according to Autohebdo ;)
He is co-owner of Ford's Roush Fenway Racing.

[Viking]

John Henry, a figure of NASCAR(team owner)and owner of american soccer team, according to Autohebdo ;)

Well, after Petter had a chat with him he spent an awfull lot of money buying a lousy English footballteam (red shirts), so when the scousers are done with his wallet lets see if there is anything left...

[Halvis]

Petter has used uf his own money in Spain, he don't say how mutch, to be even more competetive.

Quote:

- I really want to win this event, says Petter Solberg. – And with dry conditions on the first day, I’m convinced we can do it. We will do whatever possible, and even some more, to finish at the top. It is not easy for a small private team to fight with the big manufacturers, so this time I have put in some of my private founding’s to be able to have a real chance up against the others.

[pettersolberg29]

Is there any more news on the offer from Citroen which Petter was 'excited' about?

[Sulland]

Has he upgraded to the latest spec for the last rounds ?
What was the difference again ?

[bretddog]

Says he paid up a million NOK (120k EUR) from his own pocket; for new engine and turbo. No mention if it's better spec.
http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/sport/article3869881.ece

[serial jeff]

That seems like lot of money for an engine that's going to be obsolete in 2 rallies... still, I'm sure he knows what he's doing, and GB is his best chance of winning all season.

[ProRally]

If he had found the grip on ss1 in Spain yesterday he was leading the rally.
But still in good position for today

[bretddog]

Interview after GB, Margam Park 2: http://www.zshare.net/audio/827607602f0ae90b/

2010; Quite respectful performance by Petter, improving his speed through the whole season. Some setup issues, not really a surprise with a new car and limited testing. But 8 podium finishes and 5 2nd podiums is more than he could pull out during three years with Subaru, 2006-2008, and that with the shorter 13-rallies season. Ok a bit lucky the Fords have been on vacation for most of the year, but on speed alone being able to fight close battles with top factory Citroens is not too bad. Funny to see his good old mood coming back when he's able to show what he is good for.

He's been under a lot of pressure this whole season, more than most have imagined I think. Wanting to push to the limit, needing to make podium results, and knowing that wrecking the car is not an option. And between the rallies, constantly something going on, not much relax for this guy. Even to the last rally he has to think about "giving back" to his sponsors in order to maximize his hopes for support next year. It's been annoying to see some rallies he's given up good road position to "lead the rally for the sponsors". Or perhaps more likely most of this was unofficial Citroen team orders... But anyway, he's making the show and I can't really imagine how boring WRC would be without him.

Quite an uphill battle all the way, but great to see him pull it off and able to perform close to his potential. Of course we all hope he will be here next year. And if it's possible, or even quite impossible, I'm sure he will drive. So no worries.

[TyPat107]

I don't understand how one of the best drivers in the sport and the only personality currently in the sport cannot get the support he deserves to continue? Petter worked his tail off this year to get where is and he has proven he still has the speed, not to mention it seems he does far more work for his sponsors than any other driver. It will be very sad if he is not in the championship next year.

[HaCo]

I don't understand how one of the best drivers in the sport and the only personality currently in the sport cannot get the support he deserves to continue? Petter worked his tail off this year to get where is and he has proven he still has the speed, not to mention it seems he does far more work for his sponsors than any other driver. It will be very sad if he is not in the championship next year.

Exactly what I was thinking. If he can't find a paid seat for next year, this only proves the sport is very sick AND the new rules haven't changed anything.
If one has proven his talent this year, it's Petter. Of course there are others as well, but after his bad period with Subaru, he has done a fabulous job in his not-official C4. Remember how Stohl performance was rated in the OMV Xsara, well take the same result, but for the FULL championship this year!

[cali]

It would be a big loss, Petter did a fantastic season this year and he is still one of the top guys out there.

[N.O.T]

It was indeed afantastic season for peter....he definately delivered far more than expected, ok he will probably never win again under normal circumastances but he proved that he still has 2-3 years left in him to offer the sport some good performances. Hope his sponsors don't abandom him and see him pay once more to be in the championship.

[OldF]

The winner of Wales is 36 and the second is almost 36 (next Thursday).

[Donney]

He's been the best driver of the year, in my opinion. I would hate not to see him next year.

[pino]

It would be a big loss, Petter did a fantastic season this year and he is still one of the top guys out there.

Totally agree :up:

[AndyRAC]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88350

[bassist]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88350
Well if he hasnt shown enough fight by now for one of the top teams to give him a run, then they dont deserve him. If Petter is not in the revised WRC next year, it will be a travesty!

[JFL]

In a way.. WRC teams deserve it if he leaves..Then in a couple of years they can travel the world with theire gentlemendrivers, while the top drivers of the world do something different... I know a lot of people will stop watching if he ain't driving... Not just Norwegians..

[GigiGalliNo1]

Solberg going to Circuit racing?!?!?!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88350

(With Pastrama - hahaha)

[Fide]

In a way.. WRC teams deserve it if he leaves..Then in a couple of years they can travel the world with theire gentlemendrivers, while the top drivers of the world do something different... I know a lot of people will stop watching if he ain't driving... Not just Norwegians..

Indeed you are dam right... I referred to this several times. His has the skills, the charisma, the speed and the quota of sympathy and communication skills people wants in this discipline. Look at Eclestone in F1 that constantly claims to the drivers to be more open with the press etc. etc. At the end of the road this show means business !!!!! and even Sebastian (just to take him as an example) is a superb driver, his communication skills are under water. I prefer to hear my mother in law than hear him..... WRC needs desesperately people like Petter....... (and also more manufacturers of course)

[6789]

Who was the sponsor who dropped out for the last couple rallies? Tools?

So hope he doesn't retire, but if he does. I can say that I was there in NZ and Finland to see him trying his best with the car he had. Ford is crazy if they don't get him in a seat properly.

[MJW]

Definately not Tools. They have been totally loyal.

[nzabevAMSM]

Definately not Tools. They have been totally loyal.
Then who? Mad Croc maybe?

[Allyc85]

I wouldnt say so as Mad Croc was on the car at the weekend.

I just dont get how this man has to struggle so much when hes proven that he is still a class act and a great part of this championship! Everyone I spoke to at the weekend said how great Petter was and how boring Loeb, Sordo and co are, the companies should be able to see who gets all the attention!

[MJW]

Water is better to drink than energy drinks

[noel157]

Wasn't there a boat manufacturer or something at one stage? Edit - that was Lunde when he had the Xsara.

What does Petter need to be comfortable (ie not worry about having one gearbox and one whatever) for a full season? If Sordo can do 9 WRC events in a Fiesta for €1m presume we're talking €1.75 or so for a full season and twice that in a DS3?

[MJW]

I wouldnt say so as Mad Croc was on the car at the weekend.

I just dont get how this man has to struggle so much when hes proven that he is still a class act and a great part of this championship! Everyone I spoke to at the weekend said how great Petter was and how boring Loeb, Sordo and co are, the companies should be able to see who gets all the attention!
Check your history, the sponsor that let Petter down has done it to others in the passed, in rallycross. For fear of litigation I am not about to name them, but I have enough energy.

[Allyc85]

Why would he keep a sponsor logo on the car if they have let him down? ;)

[Macd]

Why would he keep a sponsor logo on the car if they have let him down? ;)

It costs money to re-paint a car :)

[Allyc85]

Most racing cars use vinal stickers over a base paint colour dont they? Im 99% sure ive seen the Fords being stickered up somewhere.

[GigiGalliNo1]

It costs money to re-paint a car :)

They don't paint sponsors on! It's all vinyl stickers with logos and words and colors etc. Only one color is the car. Yello!

[Tom206wrc]

Mmmmh possibility to see Petter Solberg at the next 24 hours of Le Mans race ??? :)

[pucky54]

They don't paint sponsors on! It's all vinyl stickers with logos and words and colors etc. Only one color is the car. Yello!

Nope, the yellow on Petters car was also vinyl!

[cut the b.s.]

Petter should look for a drive in IRC, it would be much better than to lose him from rallying.

[Brother John]

Petter should look for a drive in IRC, it would be much better than to lose him from rallying.

Yes exactly what I think also :up: . It would be also verry good for the marketing of IRC and for Petter Solberg with much news in the press and on TV.
WRC are for much rally fans no longer important and the name WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP no longer worth.
I have already seen on Facebook of several forum members that they don´t read the forum no longer. At present time we see for every word and rumour a new thread started, especially by new and also younger members.
I miss many members and friends here which came with good information and told no B!!llsh!t. We even had time to make a joke instead of telling nonsense. :confused:

[Brother John]

Yes exactly what I think also :up: . It would be also verry good for the marketing of IRC and for Petter Solberg with much news in the press and on TV.
WRC are for much rally fans no longer important and the name WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP no longer worth.
I have already seen on Facebook of several forum members that they don´t read the forum no longer. At present time we see for every word and rumour a new thread started, especially by new and also younger members.
I miss many members and friends here which came with good information and told no B!!llsh!t. We even had time to make a joke instead of telling nonsense. :confused:

And then it became quietly here. :s mokin:

[Formaldehyde]

What about that story that Citroen sales in Norway had increased 40% in 2010 due to Petter's success? Isn't that incentive enough to have Petter running in a Citroen next year?

[Viking]

Happy Birthday, Petter!

[N.O.T]

In an interview Loeb said that Solbergs C4 was EXCTLY the same as his as far performance parts go for the most part from the season, he specificaly said that he asked his chief engeener about it and he said there are no differences in performance, the car solberg used was also better than the ones the juniors used (sordo and kimi) and also that solberg had full access to the data from the testing of the works cars, of course he said that its different when he comes to service and he has full support changing everything even if they are not broke out of precaution while peter iff he needs any changes he has to pay for them....

here is the interview in the most popular language of the world which all of you should know by now...if you don't, leave the planet.

http://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&race_id=0&article_id=19059

[kakus]

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/loeb_claims_parity_of_cars_with_solberg/

[Bobcat]

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/loeb_claims_parity_of_cars_with_solberg/
Loeb says: "...I don’t know this, but there are no major differences between our cars. Really, it is not much.” Ok Seb. ;) :D

[skarderud]

as far as i know the "biggest" difference is the gearbox, petter's is 2 kg heavier (and 100k euros "cheaper"). and then the logical things about amount of people and money around the teams. remember that petter solberg world rally team is private. the stuff he has did this season is fantastic, 3th in the wrc champ, 8 times at the top 3. the best car availible for money (close) and a switch of co-driver midseason. its absolutely well done of petter and the team. and btw, petter and chris had problem with the comunication inside the car in wales, petter misunderstanded chris several times, and chris lost the rythm several times. the reason is petters highly detailed notes, that he and phil developed together thru the years, not easy to jump in and do a proper job, i prefer!

[Barreis]

How can gearbox cost 100k euro's?! Sequential gearboxes came from motorbikes.. Better to give that money to hungry children..

[SubaruNorway]

In an interview Loeb said that Solbergs C4 was EXCTLY the same as his as far performance parts go for the most part from the season, he specificaly said that he asked his chief engeener about it and he said there are no differences in performance, the car solberg used was also better than the ones the juniors used (sordo and kimi) and also that solberg had full access to the data from the testing of the works cars, of course he said that its different when he comes to service and he has full support changing everything even if they are not broke out of precaution while peter iff he needs any changes he has to pay for them....

here is the interview in the most popular language of the world which all of you should know by now...if you don't, leave the planet.

http://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&race_id=0&article_id=19059

The difference is that Loeb can turn his engine up, Petter can't.

[bluuford]

The difference is that Loeb can turn his engine up, Petter can't.

Well, there was nothing new in the interview. You can have as good basic car as possible, but if you do not have resources to change so many parts in each service like factory team does, then that is a big difference already. That is why Petter had so many tech issues as well. Most of the parts are meant for much shorter distance to cover than he did. And with reason.. not enough money.

[cali]

lot of norwegian hearsay going on here ...

Petter did a fantastic season and the difference between those cars are known to few people who run Citroen team. Everything else seems to be speculation.

[A.F.F.]

lot of norwegian hearsay going on here ...

Petter did a fantastic season and the difference between those cars are known to few people who run Citroen team. Everything else seems to be speculation.

Couldn't agree more. Petter had a blast and only a win could have made his season better. I personally was glad to see him back. I mean, I never liked to see him jumping on a bonnet but it was nice to see him enjoying rally again :up:

[logic]

I wonder how much Lobe was paid to say such.

[N.O.T]

I wonder how much Lobe was paid to say such.

payed by who ??

[WRCfan]

Kittens with fluffy mittens...

[Viking]

I think it is just funny that he (Loeb) had to ask, and that he has to tell us that there is "not much differences" :)

[cali]

Couldn't agree more. Petter had a blast and only a win could have made his season better. I personally was glad to see him back. I mean, I never liked to see him jumping on a bonnet but it was nice to see him enjoying rally again :up:

Yes, I got the same feeling here. Petter has never been a favourite of mine but I surely was very happy to see him posting top times again and thus enjoying rallying again.

[Roy]

Yes, I got the same feeling here. Petter has never been a favourite of mine but I surely was very happy to see him posting top times again and thus enjoying rallying again.

same here :up:

[Jaanus]

Petter did have a great season and here are some statistics to show it. These numbers have been copied from juwra.com

Podiums per driver:

Loeb 12
P. Solberg 8
Latvala 6
Ogier 6
Sordo 5
Mikko 2

Stage wins per driver:

Loeb 96
P. Solberg 51
Ogeir 37
Latvala 26
Sordo 25
Hirvonen 16

[Halvis]

Petter did have a great season and here are some statistics to show it. These numbers have been copied from juwra.com

Podiums per driver:

Loeb 12
P. Solberg 8
Latvala 6
Ogier 6
Sordo 5
Mikko 2

Stage wins per driver:

Loeb 96
P. Solberg 51
Ogeir 37
Latvala 26
Sordo 25
Hirvonen 16

Also, with the old points system, Petter would have become second in the championship. With his resources, it is nothing less than phenomenal!

If he doesn't get a ride next year, it will be tragic for the sport.

[Karukera]

Also, with the old points system, Petter would have become second in the championship. With his resources, it is nothing less than phenomenal!
If he doesn't get a ride next year, it will be tragic for the sport.

I agree on the last part, on his brilliant outings and efforts as a privateer but in all fairness any different point scoring system giving him a 2nd overall would have been weird as Latvala scored two wins.

This is one of the points of the new system. :)

[Viking]

Now we are talking :up:

Crash.net's Top 10 World Rally drivers' of 2010:

1. Petter Solberg
2. Sebastien Loeb
3. Sebastien Ogier
4. Jari-Matti Latvala
5. Dani Sordo
6. Mikko Hirvonen
7. Juho Hanninen (Wild Card)
8. Kimi Raikkonen
9. Armindo Araujo (Wild Card)
10. Xavier Pons (Wild Card)

http://www.crash.net/World+Rally/news/165219/1/crashnets_world_rally_top_ten_1st.html

[Brother John]

Yes, I got the same feeling here. Petter has never been a favourite of mine but I surely was very happy to see him posting top times again and thus enjoying rallying again.

And same here :up: :s mokin:

[N.O.T]

Now we are talking :up:

Crash.net's Top 10 World Rally drivers' of 2010:

1. Petter Solberg
2. Sebastien Loeb
3. Sebastien Ogier
4. Jari-Matti Latvala
5. Dani Sordo
6. Mikko Hirvonen
7. Juho Hanninen (Wild Card)
8. Kimi Raikkonen
9. Armindo Araujo (Wild Card)
10. Xavier Pons (Wild Card)

http://www.crash.net/World+Rally/news/165219/1/crashnets_world_rally_top_ten_1st.html

LOL... great list

so Solberg 1st ...lol
Kimi 8th.... lol
pons 10th....lol

and Kopecky, meeke, ketomaa, buffier not even mentioned...

stupidity should be a terminal disease...

[Mirek]

as far as i know the "biggest" difference is the gearbox, petter's is 2 kg heavier (and 100k euros "cheaper").

Sorry, but this is nonsense. Gearbox of C4 can't be so ridiculously expensive when the one from Impreza S12B cost some 50 thousand Euro.

[Daniel]

LOL... great list

so Solberg 1st ...lol
Kimi 8th.... lol
pons 10th....lol

and Kopecky, meeke, ketomaa, buffier not even mentioned...

stupidity should be a terminal disease...
NOT, these lists are only created so people will post them and the other people will say "WTF?!?!?! That's BS!!!!!!" and they get more page views ;)

[MrMetro]

NOT, these lists are only created so people will post them and the other people will say "WTF?!?!?! That's BS!!!!!!" and they get more page views ;)

Indeed

[urabus-denoS2000]

Now we are talking :up:

Crash.net's Top 10 World Rally drivers' of 2010:

1. Petter Solberg
2. Sebastien Loeb
3. Sebastien Ogier
4. Jari-Matti Latvala
5. Dani Sordo
6. Mikko Hirvonen
7. Juho Hanninen (Wild Card)
8. Kimi Raikkonen
9. Armindo Araujo (Wild Card)
10. Xavier Pons (Wild Card)

http://www.crash.net/World+Rally/news/165219/1/crashnets_world_rally_top_ten_1st.html


Very funny list made by very funny people ;)

[Brother John]

NOT, these lists are only created so people will post them and the other people will say "WTF?!?!?! That's BS!!!!!!" and they get more page views ;)


These list are made especially for people such as NOT and Daniel and still others here on the forum!!! :rolleyes:

[Daniel]

These list are made especially for people such as NOT and Daniel and still others here on the forum!!! :rolleyes:
Considering I don't read crash.net your trolling is quite funny :D

[pino]

I love that list, Go Solberg :p :

[Xsara Fan]

Considering I don't read crash.net your trolling is quite funny :D

Nobody read crash.net

[ridder]

Anyone has some more info about the Xsara Solberg uses for showdriving? Today it certainly sounded quite unlike a WRC car. Suppose he removed restrictor, fitted some extra short gearbox and remapped the engine? How much HP/Nm does it have now?

[Ghostwalker]

an article about this years solberg motorshow:
http://www.vg.no/sport/motor/artikkel.php?artid=10019607

[Eurotech]

Sorry, but this is nonsense. Gearbox of C4 can't be so ridiculously expensive when the one from Impreza S12B cost some 50 thousand Euro.
I think Prodrive designed the Subarus to be cheaper to run so they could sell them to privateers afterwards. Citroen don't give a sh.... about privateers so they just make they parts as well as they can regardless of cost.

[logic]

I think Prodrive designed the Subarus to be cheaper to run so they could sell them to privateers afterwards. Citroen don't give a sh.... about privateers so they just make they parts as well as they can regardless of cost.

The subaru's from 2005 onwards were very expensive to maintain , parts and you will always need an engineer even if it is not in contract with them.

@ Mirek The subaru gearboxes are like 70-85 k pounds to buy though .

[Viking]

Petter keeping an C4 for Pikes Peak??

http://latulasport.es/index.php/wrc/1109-petter-solberg-quiere-batir-el-record-en-el-pikes-peak.html

[MJW]

Petter keeping an C4 for Pikes Peak??

http://latulasport.es/index.php/wrc/1109-petter-solberg-quiere-batir-el-record-en-el-pikes-peak.html
Thought it was the Xsara that is planned for Pikes Peak........maybe its the C4 though.

[logic]

How may C4's does he own 2?

[6789]

1.5 C4s? That Xsara is just about ready for Pikes Peak, it's a mean machine!!