“I am so happy, I can't tell you. I am back in business. I have tested the C4 and I'm quite certain that this is the best car for me. Citroen gave me a good offer, and I believe that driving this car gives me a proper chance to fight for the podium,” said Solberg for the aforementioned source.
Before making his final decision, the former WRC champion had tested both a 2007-spec C4 and a Ford Focus RS WRC 2008. He argued that the C4 is better suited to his driving style and admitted he'll use the last 2 rounds of the 2009 calendar to evaluate the car for a potential full-year deal in 2010. As revealed last month, Solberg is eying the world title next year, despite running as a privateer.
“I got good offers from Citroen and Ford, but after evaluation I decided to go for Citroen and the C4 for the next two events. This will also give me valuable information regarding my plans for next year.”
“I tested both of the cars and I felt the Citroen was the car for the asphalt. It's a very good tarmac car. Okay, it will be very tough to beat Sebastien Loeb on asphalt in Spain, he is very, very fast - but I have a chance now. It will be good. I am so excited about this. I had to do the right thing this time, but it's been an incredibly difficult decision. Now I want to go and have some fun,” added Solberg.
However, the Norwegian insisted that no final decision for next year has been made, as it will all depend on how his two official outings with the C4 this year will go.
“There are no bridges burned with (Ford boss) Malcolm (Wilson), that's the most important thing to say. Nothing is decided for next year. With 13 rallies and five long-hauls, the budget for next year is completely different to this season - and that's what I'm working on right now. I can't say what car I will drive next year until I have the money and the sponsors sorted out,” added Solberg.
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