Petter Solberg has vowed to hit back from his latest disappointment in the World Rally Championship when the series continues in Sardinia next month.
The 2003 world champion was in contention for a podium finish for the fourth event in succession in Jordan last week, only to hit trouble once again when he crashed into retirement with three stages left to run. Afterwards, Solberg revealed that he feared his Citroen DS3 WRC could have slipped down a 60-metre drop and it not become wedged on some rocks after he and co-driver Chris Patterson left the road.
“I was hoping for a podium finish but that’s how it is,” said the 36-year-old. “Now we just have to look forward to the next event and the rest of the season. The car worked perfectly both days, and I was also happy about the new tyres supplied by Michelin. I was just so disappointed and also lucky not to roll down.”
Solberg, who is now 43 points adrift of WRC title leader Sebastien Loeb, will be able to take heart from his last appearance on Rally d’Italia Sardegna back in 2009. He finished third overall in a Citroen Xsara WRC alongside former co-driver Phil Mills.
While Solberg’s Jordan Rally ended in disappointment the Norwegian was at least able to show his support to the Generations For Peace initiative, of which he is an ambassador, during a meeting with its founder, HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein.
“Generations For Peace is an inspirational organisation having a real impact,” said Solberg. “Their Generations For Peace Pioneers are living in communities facing very difficult situations of conflict. But they each have an amazing positive spirit, which helps them overcome challenges and gather support to make a real difference in their community.
“I know my world of rally driving is so different to theirs, but they’ve got this same ‘anything’s possible’ attitude and the determination to make things happen. I find that really inspiring. I’m really proud to support them and to help to spread the word about what they’re doing.”
Credit: World Rally Championship (www.wrc.com)
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