Norwegian Rally Legend Petter Solberg says he is in serious discussion with manufacturers to return to the World Rally Championship as a team owner.
Solberg competed in the top flight rally championship from 1998 to 2012 with stints at the factory Ford and Subaru teams. At the end of his career Solberg had won 13 rallies and claimed the 2003 WRC title, the most recent championship for Subaru to date.
In 2014 Solberg joined the FIA World Rallycross Championship driving a Citroen DS3, claiming back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015.
But after retiring from competitive driving last year, Solberg has now suggested he is in talks with multiple manufacturers to return to the WRC as a team manager.
In an interview with Eurosport, Solberg added that he was originally planning to launch his team in time for the 2022 ‘Rally 1’ regulation changes; but admitted that plan has now been relaxed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Yes, I want a team,” Solberg said. “I will do it my way. No politics. It’s about winning – and having one focus. Not too many balls that maybe many other teams are working on.”
“I work with two car factories and we have been working for a long time already.
“The plan was 2022. I know the time frame for how much time we need to build a team, car and stuff like that. I have people clear in the background.
“It’s on hold now. That is something we must respect. Whether that happens in 2022, 2023 or 2024, I don’t stress.
“I have a dream. It’s so clear to have a factory team and win.”