Petter Solberg has unveiled the first ever all-Norwegian World Rallycross team, partnering with 21-year-old Alexander Hvaal for the 2014 campagin.
The pairing will be aiming to take ‘the double’ in the inaugural FIA World Rallycross Championship, hoping their two Citroen DS3 Supercars will be enough to take both the Drivers’ and the Teams’ titles.
“After the test that Alexander carried out with my team in mid-October, he was a very clear first choice when we decided to expand to a two-car-team for next year,” explained 2003 World Rally Champion, Solberg. “He really impressed me, so we’re looking forward to a successful season.”
Hvaal won the final two rounds of the FIA European Rallycross Championship, earning his spot at the top level of the sport in 2014. The European series has evolved over the winter and has been upgraded to a full World Championship for 2014 and will feature live television coverage.
“If you want to become the best driver, you have to aim high and learn from the best driver there is,” said Hvaal. “Now I’m getting my chance with Petter Solberg. The 2014 season will be a crucial year for my future career. I feel very honoured and privileged to take on such an important role in the world’s best and most professional rallycross team.”
Hvaal will drive Solberg’s 2013 car for the new season, while the team are currently in the process of building a challenger for Solberg. The team are also undertaking an intensive development programme to eliminate the engine issues that plagued the team’s 2013 season.
“We’ve got a new engine supplier so I feel totally confident that these issues will be resolved,” concluded Solberg. “We’re going to use our time well before the season starts to develop the world’s best rallycross team into something even bigger and better. With Alexander joining us, we took another big step forwards towards that goal.”
