Solberg targets wins with bold new car
Petter Solberg will sport a distinctive new look for the 2010 World Rally Championship as he gears up for the start of the season in Sweden this week.
The Norwegian will carry backing from Mad Croc energy drinks and Shell in 2010, prompting his Citroen C4 to undergo a 'red and yellow makeover' just days before it makes its first competitive appearance in Karlstad.
Solberg made his debut as the team owner-driver of PSWRT last season, but while the Citroen Xsara carried minimal sponsorship at that time, the well-backed '09 specification C4 marks a significant step forward for the 2003 champion.
With various giant-killing performances, namely his podiums in Cyprus and Italy, affirming his status as a fan favourite, Solberg is confident his updated machinery will have him challenging for rally wins again.
"2010 is the year I really believe I have the tools to be able to fight at the very top again," he said. "I have kept dreaming about this opportunity for such a long time and we have all put in very, very long hours to make it happen. With fantastic support from our sponsors we have been able to get the budget together, enabling us to get the equipment to fight for wins."
Co-driver Phil Mills is similarly confident, particularly after a few useful days of testing in the snow of Sweden and Norway.
"We are just as committed as ever and have never given up the hope to reach the top again. After a few days testing in Sweden and Norway we are now as prepared as we can get, and we look forward to the WRC season 2010."
