After 152 events together, Phil Mills has parted ways with Petter Solberg, after leaving the Norwegian’s family run team.
The two have been together since 1999, and have achieved 13 WRC victories and won the 2003 world championship together. This will be the first time in Solberg’s career he will compete in a WRC event without the Welshman by his side.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, but I feel the time has come to concentrate on other parts of my life,” said Mills. “We have competed on 152 events over the past 11 years and it has become more of a way of life than a job. I have enjoyed every single kilometre through the highs and lows that came along and I am sure Petter will win many more events in the future, given the right circumstances. I will miss the whole WRC scene very much and wish Petter and the team very great success in the future.”
As Solberg ponders who should replace Mills for the Bulgarian rally next month, he reflected on his career with him as co-driver.
“Phil is leaving the team and I feel really sad about that,” he said. “I think it will be really difficult to find a co-driver with his skills to join me in my car again. We have been together for so many years, I've had him by my side for most of my career, so this is a tough break for me. Looking back on what we have achieved together, I feel especially sorry as I was sure out next win would happen this season and I was hoping to have Phil by my side when it happens. He has been the one who has meant the most for me through my driving career. Our relationship must have been the strongest between driver and co-driver ever!”
