Petter Solberg to run his own team with a Citroen Xsara in 2009

26/1/09
Petter Solberg confirms Citroen comeback

Citroen Xsara WRC 2 run by Kronos Team for Sebastien Loeb

Petter Solberg will drive a privately owned 2006 specification Citroen Xsara WRC on Rally Norway and is planning on tackling the complete 2009 WRC season from then on.

The 2003 World Champion was left without a drive this year after his previous team, Subaru, pulled out of the series at the end of last year. And with no vacancies at the Ford or Citroen factory teams it looked like Petter might face at least one season on the sidelines before another manufacturer deal could be done.

However this afternoon, speaking to exclusively to wrc.com, Solberg said he intends to run his own team for up to 11 rounds this year, to keep up his rally knowledge and buy more time to negotiate a paid drive for 2010.

“I’ll be in the Xsara for Rally Norway and the plan is to do the whole championship from then - although not necessarily with the same car,” said Petter. “Everything I’m doing is being done with 2010 in mind. We’ll start with Norway, with my own team, but I haven’t got the entire 2009 season together yet. I’ve put this deal together in twenty days, and I expect things will change through the season. Nobody knows what the future will bring but I’m happy with what we’ve got for the short term.

“Okay, I know many people think I’m crazy for doing what I’m doing. Would Marcus Gronholm, Tommi Makinen or Colin McRae have done what I’m doing now? - I don’t think so,” he added.

Solberg has tested the Xsara just once, on snow, and described the experience as ‘good fun’. He wouldn’t be drawn on comparisons with the Subaru Impreza - saying he’d have to wait until Norway to see how competitive the car would be.

Rumours earlier this month suggested Solberg might drive for a new Proton WRC team in 2010, and might make a few appearances this year in the Malaysian company’s Super 2000 specification Satira.

Petter refused to discuss specifics today but said the future was looking bright: “I have had a lot of talks with many manufacturers and things are looking very good for 2010 - but let’s deal with that as it comes. For now I’m free to do whatever I want - and that’s the main thing here. As soon as I get something for the future of course I will give it 110 per cent.”

-WRC.com

Gigi Galli's Citroen Xsara WRC

Gigi Galli's Citroen Xsara WRC prepared by Aimont Racing Team with technical supervision from PH Sport. Pirelli will sponsor the tires for the first 2 of 8 rallies.

My personal congratulations to Gigi and Giovanni for a great program this 2007. Good luck. Aim for another podium! -rcpax

Gigi Galli back with Pirelli sponsorship

Gigi Galli will continue his relationship with Pirelli for at least two more FIA World Rally Championship events. Galli has entered the Uddeholm Swedish Rally and Rally Norway in a Citroen Xsara, but rather than using BF Goodrich tyres for these events, the Italian will ride on Pirelli rubber.

"I am obviously enthusiastic about the chance of continuing to compete thanks to, and with, Pirelli, a company that has actively supported me in recent WRC seasons," Galli said of the agreement. "The level of competitiveness of the Xsara WRC is always such as to enable me to fight for top placing, so I am confident about the Scandinavian rallies. In fact, last year on Pirellis, Daniel Carlsson and I battled for a long time in Mitsubishi Lancer WRCs for a place on the Swedish podium and I came close, taking fourth behind Daniel."

However, it remains to be seen whether or not Pirelli will simply supply the tyres for Galli's Scandinavian efforts or if he will again sport the red and yellow livery of the tyre maker.

-WRC.com

Colin McRae to sit-in for injured Loeb in this weekend's Rally of Turkey

McRae in for Loeb

Former Citroen driver Colin McRae has been confirmed as replacement for Sebastien Loeb at the Kronos Total Citroen team for Rally of Turkey. McRae will assume the role of number one driver as the team aims for the manufacturer's championship.



Team boss Marc Van Dalen and Citroen's Guy Frequelin spent considerable time assessing the best options for the team, targeting both the manufacturers and drivers race. According to a team statement, McRae is in complete understanding regarding his role within the team. He has pledged to put maximum effort behind the team's aims.

He will be partnered by regular co-driver Nicky Grist. McRae drove for Citroen in 2003 and so is familiar with the Xsara WRC, if not the team which will be running it.

-WRC.com