“I've always said that going to Australia depended on how the season went. If I was still fighting for third in the championship then we probably would have gone, but as it is we have been a little bit unlucky recently,” said Solberg in an interview with WRC.com.
The Norwegian driver was on his way to securing a well-deserved podium in Finland – while also pressuring Mikko Hirvonen for 1st place – before his 2-year old Citroen Xsara got into a ditch only meters from the finish line during SS4. He actually admitted that a good result in the Finnish event would have boosted his chances of securing a deal for Australia.
“In Finland we decided not to go, but then yesterday it looked like it was back on - somebody wanted me to drive and we put an entry in. I can't say any more about it but unfortunately today the deal didn't happen and we've withdrawn the entry. It’s been back and forth a lot,” added Solberg.
The former WRC champion hasn't won an event in almost 4 years (Rally GB in 2005) and insisted this situation needs to end soon. Although admitting he has done better than expected in 2009 – considering the package he had to work with during his first season as a privateer – he revealed he'll only continue in the WRC if he provided with a competitive car.
“If I'm going to do this again on my own I must have a chance to fight for the World Championship. If I can compete in the latest equipment, then yes - I’ll compete - but if I don't get it then I don’t do it,” concluded the 34-year old Norwegian.
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