Petter Solberg says he had no hesitation in committing to the season-closing rallies in Spain and Great Britain - even though it’s costing him his own money to do so.
The Norwegian privateer has fought for the last three seasons to raise the funds necessary to compete in the World Rally Championship with his Petter Solberg World Rally Team operation after he lost his drive with the works Subaru squad when it withdrew from the series at the end of 2008.
Solberg revealed at the finish of Rallye de France Alsace last month, where he was stripped of his third place finish when his Citroen DS3 WRC was found to be underweight, that he was being forced to top up his budget with his own savings.
“One sponsor pulled out because of a situation inside the company so I am paying a bit myself now,” said Solberg, who found himself in a similar position last season. “But I am still very happy because if I die with money in the grave it would be better to use the money to make me happy and do well. I have a lot of passion for this. I’m still fast and I want to win again also. I’m not giving up.”
Solberg, currently fifth in the WRC standings, has yet to reveal his plans for the 2012 season.