Petter Solberg confirms WRC exit...

[RallyWizard]

No more rally for Petter Solberg. Pressconference later today.

[Hartusvuori]

Good excuse today to post these again. It got faster then, thank you Petter & Phil & Chris for everything.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMLbn4PmGes

[Hartusvuori]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0xFXOB5EHc

[muratgunarslan]

Pernilla Solberg send;

Information for media for immediate release.

For the first time in over a decade, the FIA World Championship will be without the 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg. A decision was made today that Solberg will step away from the series for now in order to explore and direct focus in a different direction in his successful and decorated career.

It’s now realised and decided, that there will not be a WRC program for the 38-year old in 2013.

-I am so grateful and happy for what I have experienced during my 15 years in the WRC,says Petter.
-For now it’s really quite sad, you know, I would have loved to have driven for a few more years, but I do realise there will not be a WRC program for me next year. I have said I am willing to drive for free, but at this point, I will not pay to drive. This is not to say that you will never again see me in a WRC car, but for now, I think it’s best.

-I know I am good enough to fight in the top for many years still, but I fully understand the difficult financial situation for the 2013 season for M-Sport, so I wish the team all the best in the future, says Petter.

A career which reached it’s highest point in 2003 when Solberg won the WRC Drivers Title for Subaru, started with Ford in 1999. Just 5 years after his Title run, Subaru withdrew from the Championship and Petter formed his own WRC team The Petter Solberg World Rally Team while driving multiple privately owned Citroens to stage wins and podiums. A factory supported Citroen Xcara, followed by a C4 WRC, and on to the now current DS3 with factory support in 2011 which was the DS3’s 1st year in competition.

For 2012, Petter held down the 2nd Works/Factory seat for the Ford World Rally Team with Jari Matti Latvala, where he claimed 3rd on the podium in his first outing of the season in Monte Carlo. In total for 2012, Solberg finished 4th in the Drivers Championship with 124pts, and claimed 5 podiums over 13 rounds with plenty of spectacular memories set in stone as always.

-The sport has given me so much, but I want to give a special thank you to all of my fans that have supported me through thick and thin, and given me such a great feeling about what I do, and for being a large reason of why I do it. I do hope you all understand, and I hope you’ll continue to follow me on to my next venture. I promise to bring you something worthy of this. My team and I are hard at work as you read this, and we can’t wait to let you know what are plans are, Petter ends with a smile and that well known glimpse in the eye.

[Cacatua]

what a pity! we've lost one of the drivers that you always wait to see in any stage because he's simply spectacular.

[MikeD]

Sad to lose him but hope to see hin in the WTCC if that's possible. Think he will be a boost for that series.

I guess Noviko is now the favorite for that Qatar M-Sport WRT seat....

[RS]

I know Petter has his detractors on here but the WRC will be a poorer place without him next year.

Sure you can argue that the younger drivers need to be given a chance but I don't see the top future talent being the likes of Ostberg, Novikov..

The only team with a really exciting driver lineup for next year is Volkswagen. Let's hope the car is good or I guess Mikko will plod round to a championship title next year.

[pino]

Very very sad news for me, I've supported him for years and cannot believe I wont see him in action again. Not only he was a great driver but a nice person too. I still remember when we (J4mie was there too) first met him in Acropolis 2003 at the Airport, had a nice talk and took some cool photos. Met him again severall times at WRC events and he's been always polite and disponible...I will really miss him :(

[bassist]

Very sad news , the WRC will be `Empty` without him. There we are, `Cash is King`!!!

[gravelman]

Let's hope this is just a short goodbye and not farewell. A real star, but most importantly a real gentleman.

[Barreis]

Hope that Mr.Wilson will soon also go from the sport.

[Sulland]

Sad to see the Norwegian Spearhead into World Rallying leave!
He has given me thrills in front of the computer and TV I will never forget, fighting for victory.

He and Henning started the Solberg Effect, that we now see the result from. The new breed occupy 2 factoryseats next year. Østberg as number 1 at M-Sport, and Mikkelsen as number 3 at VW. Not bad from a small nation. We are passed Sweden and closing on Finland :p

The Solberg English is another legacy the brotheres leave behind, there are several youtube clips.

Thank You Petter, and enjoy the future, whatever you take up doing!

[AndyRAC]

Sad that he’s retiring from the WRC, but one can’t really blame him. Whilst he’s had a disappointing season – he did show enough pace to continue in the WRC. But I applaud his stand about paying for a drive – he’s a former WRChampion. Let’s hope he finds suitable employment in a healthier series – whether that is RX, GRC, Circuit racing, etc

Just how much have Qatar actually put into the M-Sport team? It can’t be that much if they require pay drivers.

[gravelman]

Sad that he’s retiring from the WRC, but one can’t really blame him. Whilst he’s had a disappointing season – he did show enough pace to continue in the WRC. But I applaud his stand about paying for a drive – he’s a former WRChampion. Let’s hope he finds suitable employment in a healthier series – whether that is RX, GRC, Circuit racing, etc

Just how much have Qatar actually put into the M-Sport team? It can’t be that much if they require pay drivers.

Its not quite retirement from the wrc, but sadly an enforced exit, a la McRae in 2003. At least I hope nt anyway.

[Rasantes]

Very sad news :(

[Miika]

Just how much have Qatar actually put into the M-Sport team? It can’t be that much if they require pay drivers.

My wild guess is, they (Qatar/Nasser) could have afforded Petter (to drive for free and so on). It´s just that with a novikov they (Malcolm) can get even more money, for those shiny-shiny paddock hospitalities. After all it is not about winning, but about catering.

[pettersolberg29]

Really sad news for me, WRC will not be the same without him. Supported him since the late 90s which is more than half my life! Looking forward to seeing what sport he moves into and I'll be sure to follow him there! WRC for me won't be the same without someone to support and really get behind... hopefully Mikkelsen will get a good enough program to keep me interested!

[tommeke_B]

Really sad news for me, WRC will not be the same without him. Supported him since the late 90s which is more than half my life! Looking forward to seeing what sport he moves into and I'll be sure to follow him there! WRC for me won't be the same without someone to support and really get behind... hopefully Mikkelsen will get a good enough program to keep me interested!
If one (or 2) driver(s) decide your interests in a sport, your real interest in the sport must be quite poor... ;)

[Donney]

I am sad to see him go, I always thought he had some victories left inside him.

I wish him good luck in his next career, whatever that is.

[alleskids]

My wild guess is, they (Qatar/Nasser) could have afforded Petter (to drive for free and so on). It´s just that with a novikov they (Malcolm) can get even more money, for those shiny-shiny paddock hospitalities. After all it is not about winning, but about catering.

judging on the logo's on the Qatar-Castrol-M-Sport Ford, it seems that Qatar onlys halfs owns the 2013 Ford team, Al Attiyah only provides budget for himself and Ostberg. The rest of the budget has to come from a second large party (ALM Russia-D Mack ?). driving for free is not enough in 2013 with M-Sport.

[pettersolberg29]

If one (or 2) driver(s) decide your interests in a sport, your real interest in the sport must be quite poor... ;)

My interest is high, but I find it hard to be passionate about it without supporting someone. Same in football - watching a match between two teams you don't support can be exciting, but a 0-0 involving my own team is much more exciting to me!

[mousti]

judging on the logo's on the Qatar-Castrol-M-Sport Ford, it seems that Qatar onlys halfs owns the 2013 Ford team, Al Attiyah only provides budget for himself and Ostberg. The rest of the budget has to come from a second large party (ALM Russia-D Mack ?). driving for free is not enough in 2013 with M-Sport.

There hasn't been a livery yet released..

[stefanvv]

He is unique character, that's for sure. But may be this is for the better, this year was not of his highlights, too many mistakes. Hope he'll find something for the future which will be exciting again...

[Rallyper]

Well, guys, the sport has lost it´s greatest (at the moment) showman and driver. Loeb was greater driver but didn´t give me nothing of aura beside the stages...

Paying drivers which I believe will be more and more common if WRC doesn´t get the interest from media, are not as interesting to look at, because of lack of speed compared to the real drivers, which Petter was one of them. (long sentence, but I think you´ll know what I mean)

[Mirek]

Wasn't Petter in last several years also a paying driver? I don't like that term but when You started...

[rallyfiend]

Wasn't Petter in last several years also a paying driver? I don't like that term but when You started...

Exactly. So market forces would determine that Petter was not worthy of a paid drive. And that seems to be the case going forward.

Ford, VW and Citroen all had opportunities to take him but went with other drivers - or in the case of Ford, took him but made him make a contribution.

[Arwel Davies]

Gutted to hear the news this morning. He's been my hero in the WRC for aslong as I can remember. That Sunday in Margam Park when he jumped into the crowd in 2003 was fantastic. It wont be the same without him next year but will we see him return in 2014 with Hyundai? Think of the marketing for them.. Hyundai and Petter's return ;)

[pettersolberg29]

From what I've heard today I wouldn't be so sure Petter has retired from the WRC. He won't be there in 2013, but let's not write him off quite yet.

[RAS007]

This is a shame. I am genuinely sorry to see him go. He is the last remnant of a time when the WRC had actual competition and drivers didn't have to pay for a seat; the WRC will be less interesting without him, although it is hard to see how the WRC could be less interesting than it has been in the last 5 years. I am hopeful that we may be entering a new era.

[Mirek]

This is a shame. I am genuinely sorry to see him go. He is the last remnant of a time when the WRC had actual competition and drivers didn't have to pay for a seat; the WRC will be less interesting without him, although it is hard to see how the WRC could be less interesting than it has been in the last 5 years. I am hopeful that we may be entering a new era.

Why do people repeat that? Not all drivers have to bring some money and not all were driving for free in the past.

[RAS007]

Why do people repeat that? Not all drivers have to bring some money and not all were driving for free in the past.

Perhaps because it more prevalent than ever before, and means that a driver is not there on merit alone.

[Rallyper]

You can put more in those words of course.

Paying driver could also mean the one who pays most will drive. The one who offers his services for free is practically a paying driver as well but in my world-
*- without catering teams and paying drivers - the fastest ones should compete for the WDC.

Among the fastest of course how the situation has become such that there can be fast <u>and</u> paying drivers at the same time...

[Mirek]

Perhaps because it more prevalent than ever before, and means that a driver is not there on merit alone.

Those best are hired by their teams today like it was in the past. The problem is that nowadays there are so few teams compared to the past (and so few independent manufacturers).

[Sulland]

Would not be surprised to see Petter in an ERC or WRC rally in 13, maybe Sweden and Finland.

Read somewhere that he was offered to rally the new Fiesta R5, to develop it, but said no. Maybe after a while he would like to anyway.

[bluuford]

I think it was good decision for him and for his fans (some of the might die in heart attack if he continues like that). He needs to take a break. Sometimes it helps. He could not continue like this. The second part of the season was complete nightmare. Sometimes people need to restart like computers. So, hopefully he will be back after one year break or smth and shows that he is not as hopeless like he was on the second part of the current season. It was not nice to see anymore, so, never give up!.. but take a break and restart your brain :-)

[darkstar]

i feel a bit sorry for solberg, i would at least wish him one last wrc win. i think he could retire with a good feeling then.

solberg was always a driver i found hard to judge. at the end of the subaru era atkinson was faster in my opinion. i thought solberg had lost his speed. but when he came back as a privatier he really suprised me. he had some good years after 2009, really fighting hard for his dream. and then it came true, he was a worksdriver with ford again, but that year with ford was a big mess. and now ford pulling out of the wrc, all is over again. kind of strange, i would like to see him at least for one more year.

[skarderud]

From what I've heard today I wouldn't be so sure Petter has retired from the WRC. He won't be there in 2013, but let's not write him off quite yet.

i've also heard some rumours, he probably have several proposals to take a stand on next weeks. he was on NRK (norwegian broadcast) today and said he got some "interesting" messages today that he going to call tomorrow. he was sure that he doing something with 4 wheels next yrs too :)

[gravelman]

i've also heard some rumours, he probably have several proposals to take a stand on next weeks. he was on NRK (norwegian broadcast) today and said he got some "interesting" messages today that he going to call tomorrow. he was sure that he doing something with 4 wheels next yrs too :)


He was talking about doing pikes peak before. Perhaps this announcement may be a bluff calling measure. It has really shown his importance to people who love the sport and may serve to highlight this to potential employers and backers.

[skarderud]

He was talking about doing pikes peak before. Perhaps this announcement may be a bluff calling measure. It has really shown his importance to people who love the sport and may serve to highlight this to potential employers and backers.

as far as i know he actually have a "homebuild" pikes peak car at home, never shown, that FX has buildt for him. maybe that one can get fresh air some day?

[Nornbugger]

Wasn't Petter in last several years also a paying driver? I don't like that term but when You started...

ssshhhhhhh, let those with fond memories enjoy there wonderful if flawed memories!

Petter is(was?) a great character its a few years since I met him, recently I think the sparkle and fun had gone some from him. He was a great driver but really I'm content that he has done his stint, he had a good run
in the sport, I'm slightly older than him and its slightly painful to say its time to move on and let the youth through. And for those who dismiss the younger drivers, its all been said before when Petter and Markko etc were the pups coming on, and they did alright.

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

At first i was like ......

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m51swv1wi81qcdbfk.gif

The I was like........

http://i.imgur.com/HlQpP.gif

Tonight I'll be like......

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae234/Night_Miquiztli/th_beer.gif

We love you peter!

[dimviii]

Ken Rees from Colins twitter

Ken Rees ‏@kenrees227 (https://twitter.com/kenrees227)
@voiceofrally (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally) I expect some announcement from Malcolm before Xmas of a new project, possibly PS involved also!!

[Griff]

Really sad news. Yes, I do think it's another C. McRae style "retirement". Another great driver forced out by a sport with little ambition or idea how to make itself popular.
That apart, thanks Petter, you've given us some great times, really great times. A personal highlight, was in 2009, when my 11 year old son, myself and my brother in law were allowed into service park in Spain, as my son had become a fan club member. He got to meet his hero, he has supported since he was 7. My son wants to become a rally driver or mechanic. That's what heroes do. Petter is true hero, he always has time for all his fans. That sort of sportsman is hard to find these days. I wish him all the best in future projects, which I'll be following.
It's your loss WRC. ;(

[Barreis]

Some new generations came on this forum with their deep wallet heroes and we can't do anything to show them that Solberg is worth for sport in media as all their heroes together.

[Nornbugger]

Some new generations came on this forum with their deep wallet heroes and we can't do anything to show them that Solberg is worth for sport in media as all their heroes together.

the media walked off while Solberg was driving, not when he left.

Some older members remember life before Petter, it was fine, he has done his bit and he leaves, life moves on :D

[tfp]

Really sad news. Yes, I do think it's another C. McRae style "retirement". Another great driver forced out by a sport with little ambition or idea how to make itself popular.
That apart, thanks Petter, you've given us some great times, really great times. A personal highlight, was in 2009, when my 11 year old son, myself and my brother in law were allowed into service park in Spain, as my son had become a fan club member. He got to meet his hero, he has supported since he was 7. My son wants to become a rally driver or mechanic. That's what heroes do. Petter is true hero, he always has time for all his fans. That sort of sportsman is hard to find these days. I wish him all the best in future projects, which I'll be following.
It's your loss WRC. ;(

Gutted about this. It would have made the season in 2012 if he had got a win....
Griff, your last statement was wrong. Its our loss much as the WRC's!

[tfp]

So has this ever hapenned before? I mean, there are NO WR champions competing next year. I dont just mean in WRC, I mean in any form of serious motorsport?

[sollitt]

It's sad when anyone of Petter's popularity and ability retires but it's a fact of life. I recall Ari's retiring, Hannu, Bjorn, Walter, Henri's tragedy, Markku, when there was no seat for Carlos or Colin, and more recently Marcus. (to name just a few) The sun keeps rising and the WRC continues with fresh new blood and excitement. If there wasn't evolution the thing would stifle and die.
I've always been a fan of Petter's but I'd rather remember him for his achievements and his exuberance than for his failures and his tears. Time to move on and let some new blood create their legacy.

[BDunnell]

It's sad when anyone of Petter's popularity and ability retires but it's a fact of life. I recall Ari's retiring, Hannu, Bjorn, Walter, Henri's tragedy, Markku, when there was no seat for Carlos or Colin, and more recently Marcus. (to name just a few) The sun keeps rising and the WRC continues with fresh new blood and excitement. If there wasn't evolution the thing would stifle and die.
I've always been a fan of Petter's but I'd rather remember him for his achievements and his exuberance than for his failures and his tears. Time to move on and let some new blood create their legacy.

This is all very well, but in those past eras when a top name retired the depth of talent still present, or coming through and getting a chance at the top level, was surely much greater than is the case today.

[BDunnell]

Good excuse today to post these again. It got faster then, thank you Petter & Phil & Chris for everything.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMLbn4PmGes

This footage illustrates perfectly the reason why, despite my disenchantment with modern-day rallying, I still have the utmost respect for the likes of Solberg who compete at the top level. The amount of mental capacity required to process that amount of information coming from the co-driver and then act upon it is truly, truly astonishing. It would surely make for a fascinating academic study.

[sollitt]

This is all very well, but in those past eras when a top name retired the depth of talent still present, or coming through and getting a chance at the top level, was surely much greater than is the case today.There remains an enormous depth of talent, which will only become apparent when those on the sliding slope move aside thereby permitting a chance of at the top level.

[BDunnell]

There remains an enormous depth of talent, which will only become apparent when those on the sliding slope move aside thereby permitting a chance of at the top level.

But fewer and fewer drivers of quality are today being presented with those opportunities — and there are fewer truly meaningful opportunities, too.

[mohit]

petter's popularity is MASSIVE

in less then 24 hours of his announcement 3 pages of this new head are up.

WRC NEEDS PETTER BACK...................... in action

my guess is he will be back in WRC with HYUNDAI M-SPORT may be or just HYUNDAI

[TyPat107]

From the ken Rees comment from above I bet petter will do european rallycross this year. There was a site awhile back saying M-sport were looking to enter rallycross so it would seem to make sense.

i wonder if there is more money in the sale & servicing of a rallycross car or a stage car? Block m-sport car seems pretty quick compared to the Olsberg fiestas.

[Sulland]

I guess it is too late for a Dakar adventure for him this year. But to get training on asphalt, he should do GT/ endurance racing.

[grugsticles]

I too a gutted to hear this sad news, but to be honest we all knew it was coming.
As for the possible PS link with M-sport before Christmas news.... perhaps that Pikes peak attempt will come about?

[TyPat107]

I too a gutted to hear this sad news, but to be honest we all knew it was coming.
As for the possible PS link with M-sport before Christmas news.... perhaps that Pikes peak attempt will come about?

Pikes peak would be ok (kinda boring now that its all Tarmac) but they are changing rules some this year, in my opinion not for the better. There is a possibility Colorado will have a new (well we have run it for years in its short form) longer all dirt hill climb again, most likely 2014. I think that road is easily as fun if not more than pikes peak. Petter would be the perfect guy to bring that event some exposure.

[Ripplin]

Sad news. I've been rooting for him since the beginning. It has been hard seeing all the premature exits over the years, but even this year, he proved he still has it when things are going well. I sometimes think 'what if Loeb had never entered the WRC? Would Petter be a multiple time champion?' (well, maybe not with Subaru, with the plethora of mechanical failures they had near the end)

I too think this will be a McRae-style "retirement." I could see him back in some form in 2013, even if just for a couple of rallies. (come on, Petter, at least do Finland!)

[noel157]

Unfortunate the way things turn out. He and his personality will be missed.

[ProRally]

He will end up in GRC (Global Rally Cross) , with a M-Sport Ford

[Mintexmemory]

So has this ever hapenned before? I mean, there are NO WR champions competing next year. I dont just mean in WRC, I mean in any form of serious motorsport?

I looked this uo a few weeks ago and not since the inaugral WRC has a Champion not been in every event.

[rallyfiend]

I looked this uo a few weeks ago and not since the inaugral WRC has a Champion not been in every event.

How often has a champion retired whilst Champion?

[stefanvv]

How often has a champion retired whilst Champion?

Does Loeb have any other choice?

[RAS007]

Does Loeb have any other choice?

I think some people may have liked to see Loeb do a full season in 2013, because it appears that there may be more competition in next year's championship than there has been over the last few years. Therefore, the possibility is raised that Loeb may actually be beaten, which given the total lack of competition he has faced in the last 4 years, would make for more interesting viewing.

[Mintexmemory]

How often has a champion retired whilst Champion?

Never in WRC - and to Stefan -of course Loeb had a choice
Carry on and win No10 next year or go out at the top while still showing occasional flashes of brillianc ;)

[stefanvv]

Hmm, I think Loeb & Citroen are hand to hand recent years. Citroen success in Rally didn't reflect at the sales of PSA group, Peugeout involment in WEC was even worse. Perhaps the only chance for PSA marketing is WTCC as Citroen are supposed to go with Loeb and concour new markets...

But... yes, I think Loeb could go for N10 next year while VW are still "getting into", he might be at age, but he can do it - it is in his blood. I'm not convinced for next years though. It'll become more and more difficult... But what difference does it make - he had enough of it, didn't he?

Look what happened to Schumacher in F1. He retired at top, and returned after few years, but that was just nothing of what he was few years back. The motivation was gone....

Probably we're little OT here anyway

[cali]

I think some people may have liked to see Loeb do a full season in 2013, because it appears that there may be more competition in next year's championship than there has been over the last few years. Therefore, the possibility is raised that Loeb may actually be beaten, which given the total lack of competition he has faced in the last 4 years, would make for more interesting viewing.
Here we go again ... :rolleyes:

[Sulland]

Maybe Petter and Seb will reunite in WTCC...

[pino]

Guys this thread is about Petter not Loeb, so let's stick to the topic thanks :)

[Ripplin]

I have a signed card, but I need 15 posts before I can show it. Call this a bump. Heh.

[Ripplin]

Ok, here it is:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5827/pettersolberg.jpg

Always a character. :) I have a Subaru yearbook signed by he and Tommi, too.

[grugsticles]

Pikes peak would be ok (kinda boring now that its all Tarmac) but they are changing rules some this year, in my opinion not for the better. There is a possibility Colorado will have a new (well we have run it for years in its short form) longer all dirt hill climb again, most likely 2014. I think that road is easily as fun if not more than pikes peak. Petter would be the perfect guy to bring that event some exposure.

Woah, hold on a sec... it Whaaaaaaa?
When did that happen?
What ****-knuckle decided that was a good idea?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sad news, I had the best feelings he would win a WRC round in 2012!!! Sucks to be him, but the sport soon will turn around and hope to see him back in the WRC when things get better! Ohhh.. Really gutted thinking about it.
But we have the youngsters to look forward to now! :) :(

[TyPat107]

Woah, hold on a sec... it Whaaaaaaa?
When did that happen?
What ****-knuckle decided that was a good idea?

I co-drove it in 2011 and that was the final year of dirt and the was only a little over 2 miles of it. It was finished being paved a month later. Next year co-drivers aren't allowed "for safety reasons" and there will be qualifying and a few other new rules. Hopefully Lands End Hill Climb will step up to the big time like is being rumored. It would make a great replacement for PPIHC and its all dirt.

[Kielder]

I'll always remember Petter at Margam Park the last day of Wales Rally GB 2003, the one and only who beat Loeb head to head. The Norwegian has often played a role in front of the camera, but then he acted naturally. That day he was the happiest man on Earth. Almost nobody enjoyed the sport as him, as evidenced following the Subaru quitting the WRC. Petter continued rallying because it was what he really loved, he would do it for free or paying, as so many thousands of drivers worldwide. I post here as tribute this well-known video, which shows not only a man fullfilling his dream to become World Champion but also his family's. The words "I did it, Henning" looking at the camera are moving.
The extreme happiness of Petter almost blotted out of my mind the infinite sadness of Sainz & Moya at the same place five years before. By the way, again Makinen as co-star, this time the day of his withdrawal.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBsN__InFOU&feature=player_embedded

[noel157]

I'll always remember Petter at Margam Park the last day of Wales Rally GB 2003, the one and only who beat Loeb head to head.

Don't forget Loeb was under team orders but that takes little away from Petter's title.

[Kielder]

Don't forget Loeb was under team orders but that takes little away from Petter's title.

We won't ever know what could have happened without those team orders. Perhaps winning the Championship for Manufacturers in the first full year of Citroen was important for the factory support the following years as well as that experience made Loeb stronger. Maybe not.

[grugsticles]

I'll always remember Petter at Margam Park the last day of Wales Rally GB 2003, the one and only who beat Loeb head to head. The Norwegian has often played a role in front of the camera, but then he acted naturally. That day he was the happiest man on Earth. Almost nobody enjoyed the sport as him, as evidenced following the Subaru quitting the WRC. Petter continued rallying because it was what he really loved, he would do it for free or paying, as so many thousands of drivers worldwide. I post here as tribute this well-known video, which shows not only a man fullfilling his dream to become World Champion but also his family's. The words "I did it, Henning" looking at the camera are moving.
The extreme happiness of Petter almost blotted out of my mind the infinite sadness of Sainz & Moya at the same place five years before. By the way, again Makinen as co-star, this time the day of his withdrawal.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBsN__InFOU&feature=player_embedded

He made a lot of fans that day. Not just though winning the championship, but for acting in his own natural way.

[Anders Grøndal]

A sad day! He is one of the best

[makinen_fan]

Not sure if it was posted elsewhere, Colin Clark interview with Petter:

Petter Solberg Talks about 2013 | Spreaker Online Radio (http://www.spreaker.com/user/5030467/petter_solberg_talks_about_2013)

[A.F.F.]

Petter was a great driver and I do wish to see him behind the wheel of WRCar in the future.... but telling he still has something to give WRC and he is top-contender tells me more about the current quality of drivers than the brilliance of Petter. And there's nothing to be ashamed of, time just caught him like it did to so many other great gentlemen of rallying. Personally, I'd love to see him in RallyCross :up:

[Ripplin]

Petter was so great for amusing pictures. Here are a few I've saved over the years:

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/6956/120525solbergss6.jpg
http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/2777/pettermarcus.jpg
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8706/vlcsnap10899235.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img855/3273/vlcsnap2012080814h43m16.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img834/300/vlcsnap2012080814h44m15.png

[xavier]

We won't ever know what could have happened without those team orders. Perhaps winning the Championship for Manufacturers in the first full year of Citroen was important for the factory support the following years as well as that experience made Loeb stronger. Maybe not.

Personaly i doubt Seb would have mange to beat Petter that year in GB. It may not have make Seb stronger, but that display of loyalty for the team surely contributed to the fact Citroen supported Seb 100% in the following 9 years.

Concerning Petter, it is sad to see him go, even if he has not a winning pace, he was valuable asset to the serie.

[RallyWizard]

Petter on a norwegian TV show tomorrow, with norwegian and swedish fans! NRK1

[Humber]

Petter on a norwegian TV show tomorrow, with norwegian and swedish fans! NRK1
Will you be able to put a short English language summary of the interview on here please ?

Will Petter get a car out of his museum to use in rallycross ?

[Rallyper]

I definately think Petter still has winning pace. No doubt. It´s of course sad he´s leaving, but I´m positive and think he´ll return one day not so long time in the future, having a good car, we might not seen the end of the Petter saga....

[Rally Hokkaido]

In his fb New Year message Petter writes that he has some "exciting plans" that will "bring us closer to our fans and keep me doing what I love"....

[mohit]

hyundai

[Prisoner Monkeys]

hyundai
Nope. He's already said he tried to contact them and couldn't find anyone involved in the project. And while Hyundai have confirmed that the i20 WRC project is real, they have not yet established the team. Meanwhile, Solberg's comment suggests he already has something planned, so he can't be approaching Hyundai.

[ProRally]

He will join GRC (Global Rally Cross) or ERC (European Rally Cross) as IMG has taken over that championship ... time will tell

[Prisoner Monkeys]

The GRC is definately showy. It's like "professional" wrestling, with characters and costumes and a script (Toomas Heikkinen was clearly acting as the villain of the series). But the FIA's attempts to turn the European Rallycross Series into a legitimate World Championship from 2014 could still save it. After all, rallycross is under-represented on the world stage, so there is the potential to take it in the opposite direction of the GRC.

[MJW]

He will join GRC (Global Rally Cross) or ERC (European Rally Cross) as IMG has taken over that championship ... time will tell

He is also considering WTCC and LeMans (WEC)

[Humber]

I hope Petter is able to do WTCC.
If PS does Rallycross I hope it is ERC, though is he like Henning in not wanting to sit around all day for a short timespan race ?
At least PS will know how to this rallycross skill at 3.24
Mr. Rallycross, Martin Schanche - YouTube (http://youtu.be/KE86m34CiS4)

[MJW]

Looks like rallycross in a Renault...........
Vakle Hjulbrandsen og Geir Mustangskogen stiller lag i årets Zero Rally - Motorposten (http://www.motorposten.no/rallycross/va) ... or-petter /
according to this website.

[gravelman]

Looks like rallycross in a Renault...........
Vakle Hjulbrandsen og Geir Mustangskogen stiller lag i årets Zero Rally - Motorposten (http://www.motorposten.no/rallycross/va) ... or-petter /
according to this website.

Keeping it in the family, one of the walfridssons was racing one the last few years.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Petter Solberg to tackle Finnskogvalsen Rally - Grapevine - WRC - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/105036)

[bennizw]

Can't see how Autosport see's that as news. We have know that for many weeks already.

[Kielder]

What a sound! What a car!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hYjMESqobT4

[MTA]

Same stage:
Finnskogsvalsen - Petter Solberg - Kamera 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lo_XMBQBY0)

[crossfades]

Petter will drive rallycross this year with a Citroen DS3 Supercar built by Gunnarsson Motorsport, GRC or ERC I'm not sure but I think it is ERC

[skarderud]

Rallycross for Petter in own team, ds3, both erc and x-games!

[Viking]

Press release

Petter Solberg (http://pettersolberg.com/html/)

[WRCS14]

The more I think about this decision, the more it makes sense. X Games have very good coverage I think, even when they move to other countries. European rally cross series this year has backing from Monster energy I believe. He will get good coverage in both series and I think people/companies still want to sponsor Peter. This will be a private effort but if you look at the exposure he will get back compared to doing a WRC event privately and also the high costs for same.

OK he made need a second back up car for ERC and races can be heavy on car damage but I think he will be the star of the show at each round so to speak. He and sponsors will benefit and Petter will probably get to spend more time at home also.

I wish Petter all the best in his new venture.

[Mintexmemory]

Ok looks like Lydden Hill (only a short drive from me) is the place to be Easter weekend!

[Viking]

Good for Petter, even better for Rallycross! Petter already working with the promotors. I am sure they will bring the sport to the next level :up:

[rallyfiend]

According to this he hasn't actually decided what series to compete in. Don't book your tickets just yet:



Solberg is currently building a Citroën DS3 RallyCross car, which will not be ready for another month. During this time of preparation, we will continue discussions, and explore both series for the best fit, and best global broadcast packages.
Our fans have followed us all around the world and continue to do so.. We want to make sure that they have as easy an opportunity as possible to continue following Petter in to the next phase of his Motorsport career..

[GigiGalliNo1]

X-Games for Solberg.... i can see HOLLYWOOD coming back!

[ProRally]

He will join GRC (Global Rally Cross) or ERC (European Rally Cross) as IMG has taken over that championship ... time will tell

So my feeling was right !!! Where can I buy Euromillions ticket :D :D

[eppel]

Interview with Petter in his workshop the day before Rally Sweden! It's in the end of the news.

7. februar Video by NYHETENE (http://tn.inviso.no/melody_ostfold/musicvideo.php?vid=8221e000a)

[Humber]

On twitter from erc. A picture of the DS 3 - are they planning on flying the car the first meeting.
http://nwt.se/multimedia/dynamic/00810/1408890_jpg_810193img699.jpg

X-Games in doubt for Solberg.

[skarderud]

They have short time to finish it, due to late delivery of chassis from Kenneth Hansen motorsport. He didn't wan't to give it to Petter on the date they had set, afraid to be beaten by Petter?
the have 4 regular and 3-4 hired mechanics +Petter to finish The car in time, petter sleeps in the workshop :)

[MJW]

They have short time to finish it, due to late delivery of chassis from Kenneth Hansen motorsport. He didn't wan't to give it to Petter on the date they had set, afraid to be beaten by Petter?
the have 4 regular and 3-4 hired mechanics +Petter to finish The car in time, petter sleeps in the workshop :)
I heared Hansen refused to sell Petter a car, and that is why this is a new build with initial chassis preparation by Ingvar Gunnersson, engine from Julian Godfrey in UK and car assemble with PS Engineering under the control / guidance of the well experienced Simon Levett, ex Martin Schanke engineer, (and other motorsports.)

[Sulland]

I heared Hansen refused to sell Petter a car, and that is why this is a new build with initial chassis preparation by Ingvar Gunnersson, engine from Julian Godfrey in UK and car assemble with PS Engineering under the control / guidance of the well experienced Simon Levett, ex Martin Schanke engineer, (and other motorsports.)

Sounds about right.

[Humber]

Is this the article with the other pictures ? The 'bits' for European RX look fairly heavy duty.

Här byggs Petter Solbergs nya vrålåk - nwt.se - Ditt Värmland, just nu! (http://nwt.se/sport/motorsport/article1271764.ece)

[Fide]

Anybody knows what happened with his website ???? It doesn't work....

[MJW]

Anybody knows what happened with his website ???? It doesn't work....
Probably getting a re-vamp for RX, existing site colours yellow and black are exactly the colours of the Euro RX series website, my guess is Petter is changing his site.

[Viking]

Petters new toy.
They have built a different rear wing, a little bit Subaru'ish?

http://static.vg.no/uploaded/image/bilderigg/2013/03/26/1364296381045_0.jpg

[dimviii]

wheels seems to small?

[Viking]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuOOlWfbY6Q

[Viking]

wheels seems to small?

RX rules: "The complete wheel (flange + rim + inflated tyre) must always fit inside a U-shaped gauge of which the extremities
are 250 mm apart, the measurement to be made on an unloaded part of the tyre.
The diameter of the rim is free but may not exceed 18". "

[dimviii]

at video seems ok.

[TSpeed]

Wow :eek:

[steffforno]

New rumors for Petter.. Should be at Rally Italia with Mini Wrc Motorsportitalia ! Also Loeb with Ds3 Wrc

[EightGear]

New rumors for Petter.. Should be at Rally Italia with Mini Wrc Motorsportitalia ! Also Loeb with Ds3 Wrc

What date is it again today?

[Bartek]

New rumors for Petter.. Should be at Rally Italia with Mini Wrc Motorsportitalia ! Also Loeb with Ds3 Wrc

I think it's only 1 April...

[steffforno]

No dude.. It's true!!! We wait a announcement

[Bartolbia84]

Annunzio Vobis Gaudium Magnum: Habemus April Fools ....