Henning Solberg Secures 2009 Seat

Henning Solberg will compete for at least 12 rounds next season inside the World Rally Championship, as announced by the man himself for Norwegian news agency NRK. Therefore, the Solberg family will have at least one representative on next year's roaster, as older brother Petter is still trying to secure a racing seat for the upcoming season following Subaru's decision to temporarily withdraw from the sport.

Henning announced he has secured a racing seat with Ford's second WRC team, M-Sport Ford Rally Team, having Nordic consumer electronics retailer Expert as main sponsor for the 12 rounds on schedule. He will drive a Ford Focus RS WRC, alongside co-driver Cato Menkerud.

“It is not often I am shaking, but I must admit that I was today. I’ve had some nerve-wracking months this year, and have not been calm in body and soul, but now we are finally at the goal and I cannot explain how happy I am!” Henning was quoted as saying to the above named source.

“Now I am just impatient to start testing and to maximize kilometers behind the wheel. Although the first race is Rally Ireland, I have already begun to think of the Rally Norway in February where I shall be fighting for victory,” added the Norwegian, who will be celebrating his 36th anniversary later this week (January 8th).

Solberg has competed for M-Sport in the past – 2007 and 2008 – while also starting for Munchi's Ford Rally team a few times last year. His best results with the team happened two years ago, when the Norwegian made 2 podium appearances on his way to 6th overall. Solberg finished last season as the 8th best driver in the series, highlighting a 5th place in the inaugural Jordan Rally.