Petter Solberg Targets Rally Monte Carlo Win

While many consider Petter Solberg's participation in this month's Monte Carlo Rally – opening round of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge – as a preparation for another campaign in the World Rally Championship, the Norwegian ace has every intention to win the event for which no less than 120 crews have applied to race in.

The former WRC champion will actually make his debut in the IRC in Monte Carlo, at the wheel of a Peugeot Sport-run 207 Super 2000. And although he reckons that he lacks the experience of driving S2000 cars, Solberg knows that with a good strategy he can emerge as a top contender for the overall win.

“For sure, there are many drivers doing the event who have much more experience in Super 2000 cars while I have none,” said Solberg, according to crash.net. In 8 previous occasions (when Monte Carlo was part of the WRC itinerary), Solberg has failed to win the rally every time.

“But I have a lot of experience on the rally and I know what can go wrong so I will be prepared. Like every other rally I do I will be thinking to push and to win and I will come up with a proper plan and strategy to do that.”

“I like the rally a lot, even though I have not always had the best result. Because it will be the 100-year anniversary the rally will be very, very special,” added the 36-year old rally racer.

Prior to the Monte Carlo event, Solberg will actually test his new 207 Super 2000 this month, in France. As far as his prospects for the 2011 WRC are concerned, the Norwegian is yet to announce anything official. Last season, he contested as a privateer on a Citroen C4 WRC.