Petter Solberg Eyes Rally Norway Drive

Former WRC champion Petter Solberg has already resigned himself to the impossibility of competing in Rally Ireland at the end of January, but has every intention of making the World Rally Championship entry list in the second round of the season, in Norway. The ex-Subaru driver was even given an extra week by his home rally organizers to secure a drive for the February-scheduled event.

The closing date for participating in the Norwegian round should have been January the 6th, but the rally officials decided to grant Solberg – as well as all the other competitors who want to be present at the event – with another week as he has failed to secure a drive until now.

“I am very happy for the new date, but there is still a lot of work to do before we are there,” said Solberg on his personal web site after hearing the news.

Shortly after Christmas holidays, Solberg released a statement saying that he is free to find any team or drive in the WRC for the 2009 season and beyond, following Subaru's decision to withdraw from the sport in mid-December.

“Petter Solberg and Subaru have agreed that Petter Solberg is free to enter any brand of the car he elects for participation in the WRC in 2009 and beyond. Petter Solberg will use the nearest future to sort out the possibilities to re-enter the WRC for 2009,” read a statement on the Norwegian's website.

However, it will be rather hard for Solberg to find a racing seat next season, considering that most teams have already announced their drivers lineups for 2009. Former teammate at Subaru, Chris Atkinson, has barely secured a drive with Citroen Junior Team for Rally Ireland, but his future collaboration with the French team is to be clarified and announced soon enough.