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Solberg Confirms C4 Test in France

Petter Solberg is on his way to finally secure a decent Citroen C4 drive in 2009. After complaining about his poor package this season – which forced him out a few times in his maiden WRC campaign as an independent driver – the Norwegian admitted having tested the C4 for about 170 km in southern France.

Solberg has until now driven a 2-year old Citroen Xsara in the championship, scoring 2 podiums (in Cyprus and Italy) along the way. However, he revealed plenty of times that he looks for a more competitive package for the final rounds of the ongoing season or the one next year. More, he insisted that if he didn't secure a competitive drive for 2010, he'd rather sit next year out.

I did drive it,” said Solberg, when asked about the C4 drive. “I did 170 kilometers or something like that. We had a good day, but that's all I want to say for now. I have to say it was a nice surprise!” added the former WRC champion.

However, Solberg did not drive a 2008 or 2009 specification C4, but a two year old machinery. It has emerged that if he will indeed manage to secure a deal with Citroen for the last round of the season – Rally Great Britain – a 2008-spec C4 will be provided to him in due time. That means he'll have the same equipment as the Citroen Junior Team drivers this year.

Solberg will miss the upcoming round of the 2009 season in Australia – due to lack of funds – and is also in doubt for the penultimate round in Catalonia.

Tuesday has shown me there's not much point in driving the Xsara again. I would be prepared to miss Spain to get the right deal for Britain,” added the Norwegian driver.
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