Petter Solberg will attend the Corona Rally Mexico's 'Rally of Nations' event this week, it has been announced - although he won't actually compete.

The 2003 World Rally champion was due to arrive in Mexico City yesterday, before then heading to León, Guanajuato, where he will be providing 'an alternative attraction' and 'mixing with the other drivers and fans'.

"His arrival in the city of León is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, July 9, and he will be attending the shakedown," explained the organisers.

"He will probably spend at least some time behind the wheel, though not for the same reason as the competitors, but simply to offer the special guests the experience of riding shotgun with a former world champion, something that would not have happened had he been in competition.

"After the shakedown, he will be at the Poliforum, where he will be signing autographs for the general public."

The Norwegian will also later be present at the start ceremony, but this time aboard the 'zero' car.

"I'm very excited about going back to Mexico," said Solberg. "It is very well organised and the stages are really good. The people are among the best.

"I remember very well all their support when I won in 2005. It was fantastic and something that I will never forget."

Meanwhile Solberg has confirmed that he will stick with his Citroen Xsara WRC in Finland, the next WRC event on the schedule, despite rumours to the contrary.

"We will start in Finland with our Citroen," 'Hollywood' told his personal website. "We have tested some cars now, and it turns out that it is this old Xsara that works best for us. Now we just have to do whatever is possible to get some power out of it before Finland.

"This week I'm doing some PR work in Mexico too and in the middle of July I will be in Arendal for the Norwegian Grand Prix. I will be there with a rally car, our hospitality-trailer and will also do some driving!"