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Solberg Confirms Presence in IRC's Rally Monte Carlo

Petter Solberg will be a guest star driver in the upcoming edition of Rally Monte Carlo, the International Rally Challenge (IRC) kick-off event in January 2011. The Norwegian driver was offered this opportunity by Olivier Quesnel, director of Citroen Racing and Peugeot Sport, as reported by Autosport.

After two years spent at the wheel of Citroen rally cars – be it the old-spec Xsara in 2009 or the C4 WRC in 2010, both in privateer forms – Solberg will now experience the thrill of tackling the former WRC-sanctioned event in a Peugeot 207.

Of course I had to accept!” said Solberg, according to the aforementioned publication, referring to Quesnel's proposition for the January-scheduled event. “The manufacturer team will run the car, and they wanted to hire me for this event to secure a good result for the team.”

As for me, this means more competitive kilometers in a rally car and a new experience, as I have not entered an IRC event before. There is also live coverage of some of the stages, which will be exciting.”

A few weeks back, Solberg publicly admitted he is starting to contemplate a sabbatical off the WRC, hinting that he could spend a season racing somewhere else. After all, following the two years he spent chasing for sponsorship and financial backing everywhere, Solberg said a break is much needed. However, switching to the IRC is not an option for the former WRC champion.

This is a one-time arrangement, and I have no plans for a future in the IRC. My plan is still to be in the WRC, and fight for the championship, in 2011,” he added, hinting that his thoughts of temporary retirement are behind him now.
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