Petter Solberg confirms plans for 2014

Petter Solberg: We're going to use our time well before the season starts to develop the world's best rallycross team into something even bigger and better.

Robert Wilkins_1

19 Dec 2013

Former World Rally Championship title winner Petter Solberg launched the first ever all-Norwegian World Rallycross team this week.

Solberg will link up with 21-year-old youngster Alexander Hvaal next season in the inaugural 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship with the team aiming for both the drivers and teams' titles with a two-car Citroen DS3 Supercar squad.

"After the test that Alexander carried out with my team in mid-October, he was a very clear first choice when we decided to expand to a two-car-team for next year. He really impressed me, so we're looking forward to a successful season," said Solberg.

Hvaal won last season's final two rounds of the FIA European Rallycross Championship and has undoubtedly earned his breakthrough at the highest level.

"If you want to become the best driver, you have to aim high and learn from the best driver there is. Now I'm getting my chance with Petter Solberg. The 2014 season will be a crucial year for my future career," said the youngster. "I feel very honoured and privileged to take on such an important role in the world's best and most professional rallycross team."

"There's undoubtedly a lot of talent in Alexander," added Solberg, who benefitted from the tutelage of legends such as Colin McRae and Tommi Makinen during his early years. "On top of that, he is a very likeable and humble person. With enough time and opportunity to learn, I'm sure he's set for a very successful future in rallycross."

Hvaal will pilot Solberg's 2013 car for his assault on the forthcoming FIA World Rallycross Championship season. 'Hollywood' is currently in the process of building a new car for himself before the season-opener in May.

The team is also undertaking an intensive development programme with both cars throughout the winter to resolve the engine issues that plagued them for much of 2013: "We've got a new engine supplier so I feel totally confident that these issues will be resolved," Solberg continued.

"We're going to use our time well before the season starts to develop the world's best rallycross team into something even bigger and better. With Alexander joining us, we took another big step forwards towards that goal," he concluded.