Solberg Evaluates 3 Candidates for Co-Driver Role

Two weekends before the start of Rally Bulgaria, Petter Solberg is left in the unpleasant situation to pick a brand new co-driver for the remainder of the 2010 World Rally Championship. As most of you know by now, his long-time co-driver Phil Mills decided to retire from all motorsport activities more than 2 weeks ago.

According to the WRC official website, the Norwegian already contacted a couple of co-drivers for the Bulgarian weekend, with Gianni Bernacchini and Daniel Barritt being the most mentioned by the media. However, it seems that the former is currently committed to a programme with Nasser Al-Attiyah, while the latter is yet to give him a positive response.

“It’s probably not fair to talk about who these people are until the situation is clear, but this is my idea. I’ve got a few people who could do it, but it’s a difficult task and very hard to know what is the correct decision,” said Solberg, according to the WRC.

The former WRC champion also gave us a few details of his screening list, arguing that several aspects will be taken into account primarily when finding a good co-driver to replace Mills.

“Weight is important, but it also needs to be someone who I have a good feeling with and who has a nice voice, with a good way of reading the notes. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be very difficult to replace Phil. Whoever steps into his job is going to need big shoes,” added Solberg.

Ever since he first stepped into the WRC, back in 1999, Solberg had only one co-driver by his side, the aforementioned Welsh, Phil Mills. According to the Norwegian, there is also a 3rd candidate for the job, although his name was not disclosed.