Petter Solberg heads in to the final round of the 2015 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy with the upper hand in the title battle with Team Peugeot-Hansen‘s Timmy Hansen.
Needing only 5 points to secure a back-to-back WorldRX championship we asked Solberg if he would be driving to secure the points or going all out for the win.
“I hope to be able to do both.” said Solberg to TCF. “But no questions asked; my main target is to secure the points to win the 2015 World RX Championship.”
In 2014 Solberg had the title wrapped up with two rounds to go, this year has seen an impressive assault from his championship rivals which has seen a much closer battle.
“The competition is a lot stronger this year – and I took that into consideration before the season. That’s why I have focused on points in each and every race during the whole season.” said Solberg.
The 2015 season has had its highs and lows and we asked Petter what some of his favourite moments have been. “The victory at Hockenheim was special to me; on a DTM race weekend and in the second World RX race of the season. It was also very special to win at legendary Lydden Hill and the great event in Barcelona.”
Solberg celebrates at Hockenheim – Credit: IMG / FIA WorldRX
With the highs must come the low points and Solberg revealed that two moments comes to mind: “The battles with Hansen in Canada and Bakkerud in Norway. Everyone involved lost…”
The 2016 World RX calendar remains largely the same with the exception of an additional round in Latvia and the removal of Turkey and Italy.
“It’s very interesting.” said Solberg when asked about the calendar. “I enjoy the fact that we’re going to Riga; a beautiful place with a lot of motorsport fans. But I’m also sad that Italy and Turkey is out.”
While the 2015 season is not quite over and the main title is still to be decided there has been a lot of talk about 2016 and what Solberg would be doing, especially as he recently put both his car and transporter up for sale.
We asked if he could reveal anything to us about 2016, “To be honest; I still don’t know the answer to that question. Still we haven’t sold anything…”
Former WRC rivals Sebastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen are set to take part in the 2016 Dakar rally, Solberg had the chance to compete but turned down the opportunity to remain focussed on Rallycross, he did reveal it was a hard opportunity to turn down.
“Very difficult! The offer was very interesting, but I am 110 percent focused on my rallycross career and would never jeopardise that.
“To be competitive in Dakar one would need a lot of preparations, and unfortunately I couldn’t find time for that now. Hopefully I will get another chance later.” he added.
Solberg in full flight – Credit: IMG / FIA WorldRX
There is a new generation Solberg making his way up through the roots, Petter’s son Oliver, we ask Petter his thoughts on future plans and would we be seeing him in WorldRX in the future.
“Oliver won three titles last season, and he took three silver medals this season (125 ccm crosskart in NEZ, Sweden, Norway). But he’s only 14 years old and needs to find his own path.
“Hopefully he will enjoy a great sporting career as I have, but it’s all up to him. Next season Oliver will move up to 250 ccm.”
The final round of the 2015 FIA World Rallycross Championship will be held in Argentina on 27-29 November, theCheckeredFlag.co.uk will have full coverage of the weekend as the 2015 champion is revealed.
Fans of Petter Solberg can also see him in action at the upcoming 2016 Autosport International show, read more about his appearance here.
