... a shock decision.... :(
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... a shock decision.... :(
Very surprising, indeed. Press releases indicate that there is nothing dramatic between Petter and Phil. In fact, both expresses sadness that it is now over. It seems that this is primarily Phils decision, and that Petter is left in a difficult situation to find a new codriver in short time. And it will not be easy to replace Phil Mills, who in my opinion has been one of the best professional codrivers ever.Quote:
Originally Posted by bretddog
What surprises me, though, is Phils somewhat "hasty" decision to pull out in the middle of an ongoing season. Has something happened between the two that has made it difficult for Phil to continue? Phils is quoted in the official press release "This is one of the toughest decisions in my life, but I feel it is time to go on and focus on other things in my everyday life".
They have done 152 WRC rallies together since 1999 - and it has become a lifestyle for both of them. Petter will surely miss Phil in the coming events, and its quite a blow for him in the middle of the season.
From Petter's website:
Phil Mills to leave PSWRT
After 11 years as Petter Solbergs codriver, Phil Mills has decided to leave the codriver seat and concentrate on other parts of life.
Phil Mills quote:
-This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make but I feel the time has come to now concentrate on other parts of life. We have competed on 152 WRC events together over the past 11 years and it has become more of a way of life rather than a job. I have enjoyed every single kilometre through the highs and lows that came along and I am sure Petter will win many more events in the future given the right circumstances. I will miss the whole wrc scene very much and wish Petter and the team very great success in the future.
Petter Solberg quote:
- Phil is leaving the team, and I feel really sad about it. I think it will be very difficult to find a codriver with his skills, to join me in my car again. We have been together for so many years, in fact I’ve had him by my side through most of my career, so this is a tough break up for me. Looking back on what we have achieved together, I feel especially sorry as I was sure our next win would happen this season and I was hoping to have Phil by my side when it happens. He has been the one that has meant the most for me through my career. Our relationship must have been the strongest relationship between driver and codriver ever!
The team has not made any decision regarding a new codriver yet.
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/20...som-kartleser/
I really do have to agree, it will be hard to replace him and i really hope that nothing happened between them. One of those things i guessQuote:
Originally Posted by Iskald
Who can Petter get now??
I dunno, Phil has a young family doesn't he? Lots of travelling around takes its toll eventually and maybe he figured best to leave now or risk it affecting his personal life.
Shocking news.
I feel something 'personnal life' from Mills' side.
Quick thoughts : Grist, Giraudet, Prévot, Suomi expert ?
Of course, this is a plausible reason. But on the other hand, Phil and his family has been used to this life during many years. Its nothing new that Phil is away on WRC rallies. In fact he has had quite a lucrative career and has established a good economic base for his private life codriving for Petter.Quote:
Originally Posted by I am evil Homer
Everything must come to an end, I suppose, and maybe this was just the right time for Phil. But still extremely surprising and to a degree shockingly so...
This is a shocking decision in many ways, and even if the reasons behind it are personal it'd be nice to know why and especially why now.
It's hard to imagine this wouldn't have any negative influence on Solberg's positive curve he had shown since the beginning of his own team. Why Phil didn't choose to stay until the end of this season? What was suddenly so unbearable? And if Petter keeps up the pace and perhaps collects the reward in form of first win with Citroen, Phil should be there also.
What kind of role Phil has/had in PSWRT besides co-driving Solberg?
Imagine, Portugal's last SSS with all the hustle was the last stage Petter and Phil ever did together then.
And who could replace him? The usual suspects Moscatt and Prevot? Who else?
I did not see that one coming!
Maybe Petter could bring back Cato Menkerud now?? At least he is "free" in the next two wrc rounds.
Too bad! :(
A bit strange though to quit so sudden in the middle of the season.