Norway's rally champ reaches end of the road
AFP - [email protected]
Published: 6 Dec, 2012 CET.
Updated: Thu 6 Dec 2012 11:32 CET
Norway's 2003 world rally champion Petter Solberg announced on Tuesday he will not race at the top level next season.
"It is very sad and I would have liked to continue for a few more years but I realise it is not possible to race in the WRC (World Rally Championship) next year," said the 38-year-old, who has won 13 rallies in 188 starts.
"I said that I was ready to race for nothing but I am not willing to pay to race.
"It does not mean that you will never see me again in WRC but for the moment I think it is the best decision."
Solberg's star has been eclipsed by French legend Sebastian Loeb, who has been crowned world champion nine times and won 76 rallies which played a big part in the 15 second place finishes accumulated by the Norwegian.
Solberg - a former acrobatic dance star - finished fifth overall this year.
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"It is very sad and I would have liked to continue for a few more years but I realise it is not possible to race in the WRC (World Rally Championship) next year," said the 38-year-old, who has won 13 rallies in 188 starts.
"I said that I was ready to race for nothing but I am not willing to pay to race.
"It does not mean that you will never see me again in WRC but for the moment I think it is the best decision."
Solberg's star has been eclipsed by French legend Sebastian Loeb, who has been crowned world champion nine times and won 76 rallies which played a big part in the 15 second place finishes accumulated by the Norwegian.
Solberg - a former acrobatic dance star - finished fifth overall this year.
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