Petter Solberg finished the Rally of Turkey in 2nd place, this weekend, scoring his third podium in a row and taking 2nd in the World Championship, one point ahead of Mikko Hirvonen.
“This is just unbelievable!”, he said. “I mean, 2nd in Turkey is one thing, but we are also 2nd in the championship now. It is so great to know that we actually can be up there fighting for wins, and make it!”
The Norwegian was hoping to challenge Sébastien Loeb for the win on the final day of the Rally but overnight rainfalls played in the World Champion’s hands. The cancellation of the first two stages meant Solberg lost two great opportunities to close the gap to the leader. He still attacked on the final stage of the morning loop but picked up a puncture. He then hit a tree on the following stage.
“Well actually, in the first stage this morning I was on the big attack until the puncture. In the afternoon, I took two spares and tried to save my place, but things still happen. I came downhill, even Loeb was close to hit the tree – but I was closer, I hit it properly. Nothing happened with the car, but it was lucky”, he explained.
“It’s been a very, very tricky rally. I must say, I really tried to be careful for the whole rally, taking no risks and staying in the top. There are little risks, but still we kept good speed”, he added. “In some stages I lost some speed, but on others I kept it really well. Like Loeb said, there were a lot of rocks around and a lot could happen. I’m very happy today, but to beat Sébastien would be very difficult today in the rain. I’m very happy.”