Official: Subaru re-signs Solberg.

The Subaru World Rally team has confirmed that number one driver, Petter Solberg will remain with the team in 2007, after the Norwegian inked a new deal.

Although there were few specifics in the team's statement issued to the media, the squad added that the new deal will mean he remains apart of the Subaru set-up 'until at least 2009'.

"We're delighted that Petter will remain at Subaru, it is great news for the team," said Subaru WRT managing director, Richard Taylor. "Over the past six seasons we've developed a very strong relationship with Petter and he has become a great ambassador for Subaru and the sport in general."

Furthermore while the Banbury-based squad have endured a difficult season to date and have yet to win this year, the team remains confident they can turn their fortunes around. Indeed Taylor was quick to point out that Solberg's decision shows he has faith in the team and that they can get back on top.

"We've had a difficult start to this WRC season and our recent performance has fallen below the standards we set ourselves, but Petter's decision is the clearest endorsement of our ability to get things back on track," he continued. "We are confident that we've got the right technical direction now. We have a good plan and are looking forward to making ourselves fully competitive again over the next few months and then developing a new car for the longer term. Petter believes, like we do, that we can give him the best opportunity of winning his second and hopefully his third World Championship titles in the near future."

Subaru manufacturer principal, Toshi Azuma meanwhile was also delighted that they will continue to work with the Norwegian, who joined the squad back in 2000.

"It is very important for Subaru to have another three seasons with Petter and we are very positive about our future prospects in the World Rally Championship. Petter developed his driving career with Subaru, in 2003 he became the WRC drivers' champion with us and now we want to give him the opportunity to develop further," he added.

"He has also been closely involved in Subaru's road car development over the years. Because he understands what it takes to develop road cars, he performs his role perfectly. His enthusiasm and personality has a positive effect not only to the rally team but to Subaru supporters around the world."