Solberg has been particularly critic of his 2006-spec Xsara during the past couple of outings, despite scoring his second podium of the year in Sardegna. Having already secured the sponsorship for a full WRC campaign last week – when he signed oil firm Shell – he is now looking forward to giving his car another chance in Rally Acropolis (Greece).
“We will continue to see what happens with the car. We have some new ideas for Greece, but I will also test something else after that rally. I can say I will be in the car (Citroen Xsara WRC) for the next two events and we'll see after that. If the test with the other car goes well, then we'll use it in Finland,” confirmed Solberg for British magazine AUTOSPORT.
According to Solberg, he might have to sit some rounds off in the second part of the season, as the increasing costs of securing a WRC entry in both Australia and Catalonia may prove decisive. However, he did not confirm anything for the time being.
“Everything can still happen, but we'll test the car next week and take it from there. The good thing is that we're in Greece and we're going to be out a lot more for the rest of the season – but I still want to be fighting at the front,” added the Norwegian ace.
Although he missed the opening round of the 2009 season (Rally Ireland), Solberg is only one point away from 4th placed & brother Henning Solberg in the overall classification. Also, he is only the 4th driver in this year's championship to have secured at least two podiums in the first 6 rounds of the season, despite driving a 3-year old machinery.
Google News