Petter Solberg has always liked the World RX of Germany and the Estering circuit at Buxtehude has always been kind to the Norwegian driver and this weekend was no exception as Solberg came out fighting to try and regain lost ground in the Driver Championship.
The 2003 FIA World Rally Champion began the penultimate round of the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship slowly during Q1 and Q2, however he utterly dominated both Q3 and Q4 on Sunday to go fastest overall at the end of Qualifying and take pole position in Semi-Final One. After securing the race win, he went on to take pole position in the Supercar Final where the PSRX Driver chased eventual winner Kevin Eriksson in his OlsbergsMSE Ford all the way to the finish line after the youngster took the lead at the first turn in spectacular fashion.
By finishing second in the race and with title rival Mattias Ekstrom finishing in fifth place to secure this years Drivers Championship, Solberg now sits in second place with one round left to go. However Solberg was happy to return to the podium in Germany.
“We have waited so long this season to be back on the podium and to make it here after the disappointment in Latvia two weeks ago is unbelievable. That race was our worst result ever and one I never want to repeat,” explained Solberg.
The three time FIA World Champion was full of praise for his PSRX outfit after the event, “It is so important for me to thank my amazing team for our win this weekend. I may be the guy driving the car, but the car was so fast this weekend, I think one of the fastest on the track,” said Solberg.
“I can only say thank you for all the hours they have spent in the last two weeks, making small changes which could make a difference for us. They have worked so systematically; second here is a great win for the whole PSRX team.”
However the Norwegian driver was full of praise for his season long rival, Mattias Ekstrom and first time World RX winner Kevin Eriksson, “I would like to congratulate Mattias Ekström for winning the 2016 World RX championship. Well done to Mattias and his team. They have been consistent all season. I would also like to congratulate Kevin Eriksson, who had an amazing weekend here and a spectacular final today. I saw his move out of the corner of my eye and it was just spectacular.
“I was pushed from behind and got turned around, but when I straightened up, I saw him go round everyone and take the lead! He has been extremely impressive this weekend and one to watch next season.”
