Petter Solberg finished the Rally of Bulgaria in third place and was clearly delighted at this result.
Having recently appointed Chris Patterson as his new co-driver, the Norwegian expected to have a tough time in Bulgaria but it eventually went really well for the new pairing.
“This feels so great”, said Petter Solberg. “Two weeks ago we didn’t even have a co-driver, so being on the podium today feels like a big achievement. What Chris has done this weekend is absolutely amazing, and being on the podium is a big bonus. The car has worked perfectly during the rally and the team has made a great effort in getting us where we are today. It makes me really proud when our little private team is able to actually have a proper fight with the big manufacturers.”
"We knew it would be very difficult. I am very happy we are third”, he added. “We took five stage wins and the car worked very well. To be third or second, it doesn’t matter so much - being on the podium was the most important thing. We could have been second - everything was possible - but I think it wasn’t the time for it. I needed this podium, though. Chris worked very well and I am very pleased with what we have done."
Chris Patterson was also awarded the “Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally” Award for his great effort in Rally Bulgaria.
“ I am so happy today”, he said. “Who would have thought this? Two weeks ago I were at home reading the Sunday news, and today I am at the podium in a WRC-event. And on top of that, I’ve got the “Spirit of the rally” award. It is absolutely fantastic.”