WRC 2013 without Petter Solberg

Petter Solberg will not be competing in the WRC in 2013. He made his decision public in a press statement today.

– Of course, it’s sad. I would have loved to continue competing, but I see now that it won’t happen next year, he says.

Petter Solberg started his WRC careeer in Rally Sweden in 1998. Five years later he became world champion. His impressive career also holds 188 starts and 13 winns in WRC events. One of those was in Rally Sweden. The year was 2005 and the car was a Subaru Impreza (photo).

– I am very grateful and humble for my experiences during the 15 years I’ve been part of the rally world, he says.

The season just past he competed for the Ford Manufacturers team. After a good start of the season he hit a rough patch and ended the season in fifth place.

A continued cooperation with Ford and M-sport is not going to happen.

– I’ve said that I can drive for free, but I won’t be paying to drive. As it stands right now, I won’t be doing any rallying, says Petter, and adds:

– I know I’m good enough to compete at the highest level for many years yet, but I do understand that the financial situation for M-Sport for 2013 is tough. I can only wish Malcolm Wilson good luck for the future.

What Solberg will be doing during next season he won’t say today, but it’s obvious that it will be in motorsports and many believe he might turn up in the new European Rallycross Championship.

Photo: McKlein

Petter Solberg will not be competing in the WRC in 2013. He made his decision public in a press statement today.

– Of course, it’s sad. I would have loved to continue competing, but I see now that it won’t happen next year, he says.

Petter Solberg started his WRC careeer in Rally Sweden in 1998. Five years later he became world champion. His impressive career also holds 188 starts and 13 winns in WRC events. One of those was in Rally Sweden. The year was 2005 and the car was a Subaru Impreza (photo).

– I am very grateful and humble for my experiences during the 15 years I’ve been part of the rally world, he says.

The season just past he competed for the Ford Manufacturers team. After a good start of the season he hit a rough patch and ended the season in fifth place.

A continued cooperation with Ford and M-sport is not going to happen.

– I’ve said that I can drive for free, but I won’t be paying to drive. As it stands right now, I won’t be doing any rallying, says Petter, and adds:

– I know I’m good enough to compete at the highest level for many years yet, but I do understand that the financial situation for M-Sport for 2013 is tough. I can only wish Malcolm Wilson good luck for the future.

What Solberg will be doing during next season he won’t say today, but it’s obvious that it will be in motorsports and many believe he might turn up in the new European Rallycross Championship.

Photo: McKlein