Solberg named Norway motorsport personality of 2014

Petter Solberg completes a perfect year after being named Norwegian motorsport personality of 2014, the fourth time the driver has won the award

12 Jan 2015

Petter Solberg added another prize to his overflowing trophy cabinet after picking up the Norwegian Motorsport Personality of the year award for 2014.

It was the fourth time the 40-year-old driver had received the honour after winning it in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

But the reigning World RallyX Champion wasn't able to pick up the award in person as he was attending the Autosport International Show in Birmingham.

Fortunately his son Oliver, wife Pernilla and his parents were able to fill in at the award ceremony while the 2003 World Rally Champion watched on television.

The Norwegian called the award a privilege and was thrilled to be selected for the first time in 11 years.

"I never thought I could start the year with so much excitement, but to receive this award while attending Autosport was such a privilege for me," Solberg said. "After I won the FIA World Rally Championship [in 2003] I said on stage that I would prefer young and talented drivers to receive the prize in the future. My hope was that others would work hard to beat me to it - and I succeeded! It took me 11 years to be up there again. But it was such an honour once more."

Reflecting on a superb past 12 months, Solberg said: "We had such a great year in 2014. As a team, everybody in PSRX worked so hard to achieve our goal of winning the world championship."

Solberg, who will return to defend his World RallyX crown, has also hinted at a possible comeback in WRC in 2015.

The Norwegian was full of pride for his nation's success in motorsport and is also excited to see several female Norwegian drivers breaking through.

"Norway is a small country in terms of population, but a big motorsport nation in my eyes," Solberg said. "I see talented driers just about everyone I turn. We are to motorsport what New Zealand is to rugby.

"I find it really exciting for Norwegian motorsport that several female drivers are beginning to stand out as well. I welcome every single talent we have to the stage."

The Norwegian Motorsport personality of the year gong tops of an incredible year for Solberg, who also bagged Norwegian Motorsport Federation's highest distinction and the Gregor Grant lifetime achievement at the Autosport awards, as well as the World RallyX title.