Petter Solberg to attack RallyCross flat out for 2013

The 2003 FIA World Rally Champion is creating his own RallyCross team to compete for further titles in 2013. Both in the series he and his team decide to tackle, as well as a heavy pursuit for Gold in the 4 Global X Games that are slated for this year.

“It feels a bit like getting back to my roots!” Petter says.

“My motorsport career started with RallyCross. I earned Silver medals in RallyCross and Hill Climb in Norway in 1994, Gold the two following years. Back then, in 1996, I actually considered the European RallyCross series for my longterm future but it turned out that Rally would pull me in. I devoted 15 years of my life to rally before calling an end to it in December. Some of the best years of my life..” adds Solberg.

Why RallyCross?

“I have received many offers to drive in various forms of motorsport, cars and teams since our announcement. However, I feel that the opportunities that the two major series are presenting from here on out starting in 2013 is the most progressive and coolest sport.. It’s a place where I can be myself. Once again I can work closely with my sponsors, be very close to the fans, have my own team of qualified people, and be my own boss.

It’s a great mix.. Where else could I remain in a powerful awd turbo which is more or less a WRC car aside from the extra 300hp, and have between 5 and 8 others around me spitting fire as well?! That to me is just too hard to pass up.”

Petter goes on to say “RallyCross is a perfect automotive action sport. It has close fights between powerful cars, It’s an arena sport, it’s very accessible, and it’s easy to follow with plenty of racing throughout the day all in one place. Understand this, it is quite a show to be seen and heard!

I really want to become a Champion at least one more time in my career! You know me; I am a showman and I want to make some noise. RallyCross will fit me perfectly.”

When it comes to current RallyCross series, to be at the top leaves you with two very viable choices that are both running a proper calendar with all of their events broadcast live as well as highlight packages in certain international markets.

Out of Europe, you have IMG rejuvenating the deeply historic European RallyCross Series (Now called “RX”) which consists of 10 stops around Europe with very solid competition and a great plan to produce very fun event weekends for the fans and sponsors..

On the other side, out of America, you have the Global RallyCross Series which is run by a good group as well and directly connected to ESPN.. Very solid competition there, vs some good friends like Ken Block and Travis Pastrana just to name a few.. Great people, great competitors.

The GRC consists of a 10 round schedule which spreads events across the USA including the 4 X-Games stops in Brazil, Barcelona, Munich and the closer in Los Angeles.

Full time GRC drivers/teams are automatically included in invites to each X Games and specific invites will be given to drivers/teams from the European RX series..

Solberg is currently building a Citroën DS3 RallyCross car, which will not be ready for another month. During this time of preparation, we will continue discussions, and explore both series for the best fit, and best global broadcast packages.

Our fans have followed us all around the world and continue to do so.. We want to make sure that they have as easy an opportunity as possible to continue following Petter in to the next phase of his Motorsport career..

The new Team including members, sponsors, and livery will be presented at a later date.

Opening Rounds for both Series are as follows:

European RX - England March 30 – April 1 2013

Global RallyCross - XGames Brazil April 20th 2013

For now, we’re looking forward to Rally Sweden, and completing all tests with our Viking Motorsports Ford Escort MKII for next weeks event.. See you soon! Make sure to come by and say hello if you’re attending…

Petter Solberg