by Rob Wilkins


Subaru number one driver Petter Solberg has confirmed that he is well on the road to recovery now, despite learning post-Turkey that he had competed there and in Greece with a broken rib.

While ironically the Norwegian was in fine form on those two events, taking the runners-up spot in Greece - the Banbury-based outfit's first event with the all-new Impreza WRC2008, it was there that he first started to have difficulties, complaining at the finish that his side hurt.

Although a scan post-event showed up no problems, he again had issues in Turkey, where he got a solid sixth place - and a subsequent test revealed the cause.

Although little can be done to treat rib fractures - with pain killers the only solution to help mask any symptoms - 'Hollywood' would no doubt have been in quite a lot of discomfort, especially as even breathing can be difficult, let along negotiating rocky and rough roads at high speed.

The good news is though that he is now back in tip-top shape and can't wait for next month's Rally Finland.

"It's okay to have some days off, but this [the summer break] is a bit long for me. I want to drive. It was actually perfect from one point of view though, because I have had a broken rib for a couple of rallies now," he revealed in an exclusive interview with Crash.net Radio.

"In that sense the break has been good because I have time to recover. But I want to get back behind the steering wheel as soon as possible. The guys have a very important job at the moment to get the cars fast for Finland. They are still working and are very happy.

"It will be very interesting to test the car next week. I am really looking forward to it. I can't wait to see what the team has done to improve the performance."

Asked how the rib injury has affected him, Petter added that he just had to modify his training programme a bit.

"I have been swimming and taking it a little bit calm because of the broken rib. I haven't had the chance to train as much as I want, but it is very good now," he continued. "I am back in training and back in business."

Pressed on what Subaru can do in the second part of the year, Solberg is clearly optimistic about the team's prospects: "I think on tarmac and for Finland the car should be very good because of the low centre of gravity," he stated. "The new car is also very good at high speed because of the balance and weight distribution.

"The package should hopefully be good straight away. We are going to win rallies. That is our main goal - there are no other discussions or aims. I think David Richards and the whole team are agreed about that.

"We are not here for second places. We are here to fight for wins. That is it - quite simple."


TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH PETTER SOLBERG: CLICK HERE