FIA World Rallycross

Solberg On The Limit in Portugal

2 Mins read
Petter Solberg at the 2017 World RX of Portugal. Credit IMG / FIA World RX

Petter Solberg may not have been the fastest man in the 2017 World RX of Portugal but when it came to the Supercar Final, the Norwegian was on pole position and ready to take his third win at the Montalegre circuit.

During Qualifying, the three time FIA World Champion went fastest in Q3 and was second fastest in the other three sessions which left him Top Qualifier before the Semi-Final stages. The start issue that seemed to affect the PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden Polo’s in Barcelona looks to have been cured and both cars were fastest in almost every session.

Solberg was the Top Qualifier after Qualifying for the 2017 World RX of Portugal. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX

Taking pole in the Supercar Final after winning his Semi-Final race, Solberg got a lightning start and would go on to lead the first two laps of the race, however a puncture at the end of lap two would end his hopes of victory.

“My plan was to get away from the line as quickly as possible. We had the speed all weekend and the plan was for Johan to stay behind me in the beginning of the race,” he explained.

“But then I picked up a slow puncture on the left-rear and I just wanted to get out on the straight to let Johan past me. It came at the worst possible moment, I slowed him down and there was nothing I could do.”

PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden lead the Teams Championship after Portugal Credit: PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden

Despite this setback, the former WRC Champion is very happy with the way the team is working together after being setup only three months ago, with PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden leading the FIA World Rallycross Teams Championship by nine points.

“I’m so happy with the way things are moving forward with the team and to be leading the championship is fantastic when you consider where we were just before the start of the year!”

Petter Solberg is learning more and more from team-mate Johan Kristoffersson. Credit: PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden

However Solberg is full of praise for his ream-mate Johan Kristoffersson.

“I must say it’s very good for me to have Johan alongside me in the team – he did a great job of safeguarding our position on Sunday. I am learning stuff from him and I hope I am able to teach him the odd thing as well! This is only good for PSRX Volkswagen Sweden.”

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I have been a very passionate fan of Motorsport for over 30 years with Touring Cars as my favourite form of Motor Racing. I cover The TCR UK Series, The TCR Europe Series and The FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) as well as following various TCR Series around the world.
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