Former World Rally Champion Petter Solberg is set to head back to his roots as he makes a full-time return this weekend to Rallycross at the opening round of the 2013 FIA European Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill.
Solberg started his racing career in Rallycross in Scandinavia and before that developed his skills in various old Vovlos around his parents farm.
Fast-forward until now and Solberg is a former World Rally Champion and looking to continue winning, this time in Rallycross using the Citroen DS3 Supercar.
Despite his well known status the team have been up against it to get everything ready for the opening round this weekend at Lydden.
“We’ve had to do everything ourselves, from raising the finance to building the car, so we were still putting the finishing touches to the car the week before our first event before we went testing,” said Solberg.
“I put a hundred per cent passion into everything I do, but honestly, I can’t remember working so hard or feeling this excited about the start of a season for a long time. It feels very special and absolutely right to be doing this: it’s where my roots are and a sport where you are really close to the fans, which always inspires me. I tell you: this car is quite something!”
‘Quite something’ is an understatement – the Citroen DS3 Supercar can accelerate from 0-100kph in the same time as a Formula One car. “Driving this car is a really special feeling: it’s like having a rocket strapped to your backside,” added Solberg who headed to Paris before making the journey to the UK to shakedown the car.
“What I love most about it is that you can put on a really spectacular show. It’s going to be a lot of fun, but at the same time there’s a very serious objective this year. We had a lot of work to do at the test in France but it went well and now we feel prepared. Of course you never know how you’re going to get on until you go up against everyone else but we’ve got a good base to work from and I’m very happy. Now we just have to hope for good weather and lots of spectators this weekend!”