by Rob Wilkins
Subaru World Rally team managing director, Richard Taylor has dismissed speculation that their number one driver,
Petter Solberg could leave the team at the end of this year.
Subaru have been going through a difficult patch over the last 18 months or so and according to reports by
Autosport magazine recently, the Norwegian might be on the verge of going to
Citroen, even though he only signed a new deal with the SWRT less than a year ago, when he committed himself to the Banbury-based outfit until the end of 2009.
Asked about if there was any truth in the story or if it is just 'rubbish', Taylor told
Crash.net Radio that as far as he is concerned Petter will be with the team in 2008 and in 2009.
“As far as we are concerned it is [rubbish] - and as far as the conversation I had with Petter a few days ago, he thought it was too,” Taylor stated. “I think we can put that to one side to be honest.
“It is the time of year when all of those kinds of discussions tend to happen anyway and inevitably with the relative performance we have had, I am sure people would be asking that question.
"But as far as we are concerned there is no truth in it what-so-ever.”
Pressed on if ‘Hollywood' does have a get out clause though if the car doesn't come up to stretch – something it clearly hasn't done for a while, as the team haven't won since 2005, Taylor added that both parties remain very committed to each other.
“We would never discuss the details of contracts, although there is nothing in it, I would say, that would suggest there is any opt out on any side. Both parties are completely committed to honouring the contract through to the end of 2009,” he summed-up.
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH RICHARD TAYLOR: CLICK HERE
