FIA World Rallycross

Petter Solberg – “I love competing in Britain!”

2 Mins read
Petter Solberg took his last win twelve months ago in the UK. Can he do it again this weekend? Credit: PSRX Volkswagen Sweden

Petter Solberg loves his Rallycross and he loves his fans all around the world who follow him and support him in every Motorsport venture he takes part in.

This weekend, the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship moves to the first of its new venues this season: Silverstone, the new home to the World RX of Great Britain and the new SpeedMachine Festival.

Solberg tested at the Silverstone RX track during the World RX Media back in March. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX

The challenge of the new circuit, which is located on the inside of the famous Stowe corner, is something that the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver is looking forward to. Solberg is also well aware of the history of this iconic track.

“Everybody knows how important Silverstone is, it’s one of the oldest and most famous race circuits in the world,” said the Norwegian driver.

“It’s nice to be coming here, nice to be competing in a new place for RX and nice to have the infrastructure of a modern track like this.”

Solberg is looking for his first win in almost twelve months, ironically in the UK back then. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX

However, with the addition of a new circuit comes the challenge of setting up the car just right for the track itself. After the pre-season test that took place back in March this year, Solberg knows that he has a lot of hard work ahead of him.

“Now we have to look how to get the best out of the Volkswagen Motorsport Polo R Supercar at this new track. We made some good times in testing and we were able to find a nice set-up from the car, even if the rain came down on the second day of the test.”

After finishing in second place at Mettet, Solberg is fully aware that Silverstone is a whole new challenge. Credit: Volkswagen Motorsport

Its not just the challenge of a new track that the Double World RX champion enjoys. He also enjoys racing on a fast track and racing in the UK. To that end, Solberg is a little nostalgic as he recalls his recent successes in Great Britain.

“You know that I like the really fast tracks – and Lydden was one of the best, with fantastic corners like Devil’s Elbow and Paddock bend – and Silverstone won’t be quite so fast as that,” explains the former WRC Champion.

“But I love competing in Britain. I had a lot of success here, winning my first world championship here (on Rally GB, 2003) and in many ways it’s like another home for me – the crowds in England are the best in the world.”

892 posts

About author
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.
Articles
Related posts
FIA World Rallycross

Timo Scheider Voted 2023 Driver Of The Year By World Rallycross Fans

3 Mins read
Timo Scheider is the Driver Of The Year from 2023’s FIA World Rallycross Championship, as voted for by rallycross fans online.
FIA World RallycrossSeason Review

SEASON REVIEW: 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship

7 Mins read
Featuring electrifying action, great battles, superb racing, and off-track drama, the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship was certainly one to remember.
FIA World Rallycross

FIA Approve "Battle of Technologies" Concept For World Rallycross

2 Mins read
A “Battle of Technologies” concept has been approved at the last FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting of 2023.