Solberg Targets Podium Appearance in Portugal

Petter Solberg is yet to secure a podium finish in the 2011 World Rally Championship, but that doesn't mean his title ambitions for the ongoing campaign have faded one bit. On the contrary, given the adversity he had to overcome in the first two rounds of the season, his 5th place in the overall classification is reflects much more.

Having said that, the Norwegian driver is confident that he can really make an impression in the upcoming Rally Portugal, scheduled to take place this very weekend in Faro.

The former WRC champion was the victim of some electrical problems with his Citroen DS3 WRC in the second day of running in Mexico, yet he managed to return to action stronger than ever and recuperate all the way to 4th on the overall classification. With that momentum going, Solberg hopes he will finally make the Top 3 this weekend.

“I really enjoy the stages in Portugal,” said Solberg in a short preview of this weekend's rally. “They are fast and technical which suits me well. We have just completed one test day in Portugal and now got a lot of data that will help us decide for the best set up for this rally. We learned in Mexico that we have the speed, so I'm confident about a good result in Portugal.”

In the drivers classification, Solberg sits 23 points behind championship leader Mikko Hirvonen and will come to Portugal trying to improve on his 5th place last season. His personal best in Portugal is a runner-up spot back in 2007, while at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza WRC.