Petter Solberg to retire after Wales Rally 2019
As a fan of racing, it gives no pleasure to report that Petter Solberg has announced his retirement from professional right after he finishes the Wales Rally in early October. Quite fitting, then, because the 2003 World Rally Champion would end his career at one of his most successful stomping grounds, having won it no fewer than four times together with navigator Phil Mills. Having said that, the latter would also join Petter and revive the winning partnership for the last time. This time Petter will be driving a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.
Petter said, “Wales Rally GB has always been a special one for me and the chance to bring my professional World Rally Championship career to a close there is fantastic.
“There are so many memories from this rally, it’s an event which has really been one of the highlights of my career – winning my first-ever WRC round, then winning the championship a year later was so special. And so special for my co-driver Phil [Mills], who lives there.
Another driver joining the Wales Rally is Oliver Solberg (side pic), who was only a year old when his father started his dominance at this venue between 2002 and 2005. Now reaching the age 18, Oliver is making his own WRC debut at the rally and driving a similar VW Polo GTI R5.
Petter had something to say about that too, ““It is going to be an emotional rally, especially competing on a WRC round for the first time with my son Oliver. It’s an incredible moment for the Solberg family as one chapter closes and another one opens.”
You’ve probably heard of Oliver too, after we reported his first win in a rally race and his boss drive at Goodwood earlier this month. Clearly, this is one case of good driving genes, talent and hard work. As for Petter, thank you for all the jumps, slides, and pure speed you’ve shown over the years.
