Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
This topic is for Appreciating one of the Most consistent Rally Driver - Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg.
Petter Solberg
Fast Facts :-
Nationality: Norwegian
Date of birth: 18/11/1974
Team: Petter Solberg World Rally Team
Co-driver: Phil Mills
Championship titles: FIA World Driver Champion 2003
WRC debut: Sweden 1998
WRC wins: 13
Website: http://www.pettersolberg.no
Why support him?
-This man does not hide his emotions. Happy or sad - you'll know
-He's so determined to make it to the top again he's built his own rally team
-When he says 'WRC is my life' he really means it
Career highlights:
2009: Establishes Petter Solberg World Rally Team
2005: Drivers' title runner-up
2004: Drivers' title runner-up
2003: Wins drivers' title with four wins for Subaru
2002: Scored first win on Wales Rally GB
2000: Moved to Subaru in mid-season
1999: Joined Ford and was fifth on Safari
Career summary:
With a career total of 149 WRC starts at the beginning of this season, Petter Solberg is easily the most experienced top level driver in the 2010 WRC. And of the current crop of drivers his tally of 13 victories at WRC level is second only to Loeb's total. But after four years without a win, and the shock exit in last 2008 of the Subaru team he was so closely associated with, Petter was forced to take matters into his own hands in 2009 - and he's doing the same again this year.
Solberg's nickname is 'Hollywood', and it's a perfect moniker for the dramatic, extravagant, and amiable Norwegian. The 2003 world champion is as far from the stereotypical, quiet Scandinavian as you could imagine, and really wears his heart on his sleeve.
Solberg's disco-dancing background hints at how he drives his cars - on the edge, with vigour, passion and sideways panache. He started competing in rallycross and hillclimbing, before turning to rallying. In 1998, he won the Norwegian national title, but more importantly badgered Ford boss Malcolm Wilson into giving him a test. Wilson was impressed enough to give Solberg a drive for 1999. Midway through 2000, though, Solberg controversially jumped ship to Subaru, where he remained for eight years.
It was a difficult start, as much of Solberg's enthusiasm to impress resulted in hefty accidents, but as 2001 evolved into 2002, so Solberg matured and, in the season-ending Rally GB, he took his first victory. He had emerged as a title contender and a star of the future and, in 2003, the drivers' title was his after a fine display of raw speed, grit under duress and commitment. Runner up to Loeb in 2004 and 2005, Solberg was still very much a force to be reckoned with. But from then on, while Petter's hunger for success was still there, the results began to tail off.
Since his last victory, on the 12th round of the 2005 season, Solberg has remained largely in the WRC doldrums. The combination of some terrible luck on the stages, and his obvious dislike of Subaru's later evolutions of the WRC Impreza, led to him becoming an increasingly frustrated mid-field competitor.
Left high and dry after Subaru's withdrawal at the end of 2008, Petter faced an uncertain future, but with characteristic determination he decided to create his own team. From scratch. Time constraints meant he missed the opening round of the 2009 series, but for Norway he was back with his own rally team, an ageing Citroen Xsara WRC, and the appropriate team motto 'Never Give Up'. He opened his season with an emotional stage win in front of his home crowd, and went on to take a podium on the next event in Cyprus.
He made the podium again in Italy, but by then it was clear that all the enthusiasm in the world wasn't going to make up for the inadequacies of the Xsara. He didn't bother going to Australia, reasoning that if he wanted to win rallies he needed a better car. And in Spain he got it - when he was invited to drive a 2008-model C4 WRC for the Citroen Junior Team. He took four stage wins there, and ended the season ranked fifth in the drivers' championship. Equalling his best result since 2005 - and with two rallies missed.
In 2010, Petter is back as a privateer entry again, but this time he's got a 2009-spec Citroen C4 WRC from the very first round. This could be his best chance of title glory since five years.
Petter Solberg
Fast Facts :-
Nationality: Norwegian
Date of birth: 18/11/1974
Team: Petter Solberg World Rally Team
Co-driver: Phil Mills
Championship titles: FIA World Driver Champion 2003
WRC debut: Sweden 1998
WRC wins: 13
Website: http://www.pettersolberg.no
Why support him?
-This man does not hide his emotions. Happy or sad - you'll know
-He's so determined to make it to the top again he's built his own rally team
-When he says 'WRC is my life' he really means it
Career highlights:
2009: Establishes Petter Solberg World Rally Team
2005: Drivers' title runner-up
2004: Drivers' title runner-up
2003: Wins drivers' title with four wins for Subaru
2002: Scored first win on Wales Rally GB
2000: Moved to Subaru in mid-season
1999: Joined Ford and was fifth on Safari
Career summary:
With a career total of 149 WRC starts at the beginning of this season, Petter Solberg is easily the most experienced top level driver in the 2010 WRC. And of the current crop of drivers his tally of 13 victories at WRC level is second only to Loeb's total. But after four years without a win, and the shock exit in last 2008 of the Subaru team he was so closely associated with, Petter was forced to take matters into his own hands in 2009 - and he's doing the same again this year.
Solberg's nickname is 'Hollywood', and it's a perfect moniker for the dramatic, extravagant, and amiable Norwegian. The 2003 world champion is as far from the stereotypical, quiet Scandinavian as you could imagine, and really wears his heart on his sleeve.
Solberg's disco-dancing background hints at how he drives his cars - on the edge, with vigour, passion and sideways panache. He started competing in rallycross and hillclimbing, before turning to rallying. In 1998, he won the Norwegian national title, but more importantly badgered Ford boss Malcolm Wilson into giving him a test. Wilson was impressed enough to give Solberg a drive for 1999. Midway through 2000, though, Solberg controversially jumped ship to Subaru, where he remained for eight years.
It was a difficult start, as much of Solberg's enthusiasm to impress resulted in hefty accidents, but as 2001 evolved into 2002, so Solberg matured and, in the season-ending Rally GB, he took his first victory. He had emerged as a title contender and a star of the future and, in 2003, the drivers' title was his after a fine display of raw speed, grit under duress and commitment. Runner up to Loeb in 2004 and 2005, Solberg was still very much a force to be reckoned with. But from then on, while Petter's hunger for success was still there, the results began to tail off.
Since his last victory, on the 12th round of the 2005 season, Solberg has remained largely in the WRC doldrums. The combination of some terrible luck on the stages, and his obvious dislike of Subaru's later evolutions of the WRC Impreza, led to him becoming an increasingly frustrated mid-field competitor.
Left high and dry after Subaru's withdrawal at the end of 2008, Petter faced an uncertain future, but with characteristic determination he decided to create his own team. From scratch. Time constraints meant he missed the opening round of the 2009 series, but for Norway he was back with his own rally team, an ageing Citroen Xsara WRC, and the appropriate team motto 'Never Give Up'. He opened his season with an emotional stage win in front of his home crowd, and went on to take a podium on the next event in Cyprus.
He made the podium again in Italy, but by then it was clear that all the enthusiasm in the world wasn't going to make up for the inadequacies of the Xsara. He didn't bother going to Australia, reasoning that if he wanted to win rallies he needed a better car. And in Spain he got it - when he was invited to drive a 2008-model C4 WRC for the Citroen Junior Team. He took four stage wins there, and ended the season ranked fifth in the drivers' championship. Equalling his best result since 2005 - and with two rallies missed.
In 2010, Petter is back as a privateer entry again, but this time he's got a 2009-spec Citroen C4 WRC from the very first round. This could be his best chance of title glory since five years.
Last edited by luieluv on 25 Apr 2010, 07:09, edited 1 time in total.
So its gonna be a mix of Ravishing Black and White for Kimi Raikkonen this season
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Petter Solberg tribute!!
So its gonna be a mix of Ravishing Black and White for Kimi Raikkonen this season
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Kiwi fans will welcome Solberg’s success
Kiwi fans of Norwegian rally driver Petter Solberg will be delighted to see the effervescent 2003 world rally champion in action on our roads during Rally New Zealand when it fires up in Auckland on 6 May.
“With Petter Solberg second in the drivers’ standing for the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship as the series heads to Rally New Zealand, most Kiwis will simply be pleased to see such a popular and talented driver doing well,” says Rally New Zealand’s general manager Paul Mallard.
“Petter’s many years of success behind the wheel of a Subaru played a role in his appeal to Kiwis, given Subaru’s unquestionable link with rallying and our own Possum Bourne,” says Mallard.
“With Petter now piloting a Citroën C4 WRC car – a very similar car to that driven by six-time world champion Sébastien Loeb – many Kiwis will still be cheer for the driver known as ‘Hollywood’ due to his trademark grin.”
The Petter Solberg World Rally Team was launched by the now 35-year-old Solberg in February 2009 with Ken Rees, formerly a key member of the Subaru World Rally Team, taking on the role as Solberg’s team manager.
Martin Holmes, author of the highly-regarded Pirelli World Rallying annuals, says: “Few teams have been born out of sheer determination and hard work the way the Petter Solberg World Rally Team has been. It was conceived the moment Subaru announced that their world championship team would cease to operate at the end of 2008.”
The privately-owned Solberg team ran an older Citroën Xsara WRC car in all but two of 2009’s twelve events to achieve a hugely credible fifth place in the WRC drivers’ championship. Off the rally stage, another milestone was achieved in September when Solberg secured a C4 WRC car from Citroën. He used the much newer C4 for the first time in Spain, finishing fourth and commenting: “Do I need to say any more? I’m back!”
“Petter and his long-time Welsh co-driver Phil Mills both said that fourth place was the biggest moment in their careers since some successes in 2004,” says Mallard. “When you see the sheer amount of hard work Petter’s whole team is putting in with what is, in WRC terms, a very modest budget, you can see why the Spanish placing was such a significant moment for them all.”
Rees described the Spanish success thus: “We never did doubt that Petter would adapt to the car quickly as he did with the Xsara at the beginning of the season. But he did exceed our expectations and felt very confident in the car by the end of day one. He started day two fully confident and was straight on the pace, setting fastest time in the afternoon on the longest stage, and continued this on the third day with three fastest times. The team, as usual, worked exceptionally well and we are very pleased with both the car and the performance.”
For 2010’s campaign with the newer C4, due to his privateer status Solberg benefits from advantages such as being allowed greater freedom in matters like pre-event testing and the quantity of available parts.
Regrettably the 2010 season didn’t start the way Solberg wanted with spins and off-road excursions meaning he could finish no better than ninth in the snow of Sweden. But a hard-fought second place in Mexico, third in Jordan and second in Turkey – all tough, rock-strewn events where Solberg was trading stage times with Loeb and Ford’s best – see Solberg arrive in New Zealand second on the leader-board, behind Loeb.
Mallard says rally fans and commentators alike are now saying it’s only a matter of time before Solberg wins a WRC event again.
Solberg says Rally New Zealand has always been one of his favourite events. “I really look forward to arriving there soon with my own team. I really think the stages around Auckland will suit us perfectly and we’re definitely aiming for another podium.”
Holmes says Solberg has lost none of his driving flair despite the constant pressures. “After all, he’s the most recent Nordic driver to be the sport’s world champion. But nothing relieves the pressures of being the team proprietor and the driver for this enormously popular competitor. For personality and determination Solberg is most definitely a world champ; all he needs now are top podium finishes to prove the point completely.”
And that’s a sentiment that Kiwi fans of Petter ‘Hollywood’ Solberg will surely endorse.
Kiwi fans of Norwegian rally driver Petter Solberg will be delighted to see the effervescent 2003 world rally champion in action on our roads during Rally New Zealand when it fires up in Auckland on 6 May.
“With Petter Solberg second in the drivers’ standing for the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship as the series heads to Rally New Zealand, most Kiwis will simply be pleased to see such a popular and talented driver doing well,” says Rally New Zealand’s general manager Paul Mallard.
“Petter’s many years of success behind the wheel of a Subaru played a role in his appeal to Kiwis, given Subaru’s unquestionable link with rallying and our own Possum Bourne,” says Mallard.
“With Petter now piloting a Citroën C4 WRC car – a very similar car to that driven by six-time world champion Sébastien Loeb – many Kiwis will still be cheer for the driver known as ‘Hollywood’ due to his trademark grin.”
The Petter Solberg World Rally Team was launched by the now 35-year-old Solberg in February 2009 with Ken Rees, formerly a key member of the Subaru World Rally Team, taking on the role as Solberg’s team manager.
Martin Holmes, author of the highly-regarded Pirelli World Rallying annuals, says: “Few teams have been born out of sheer determination and hard work the way the Petter Solberg World Rally Team has been. It was conceived the moment Subaru announced that their world championship team would cease to operate at the end of 2008.”
The privately-owned Solberg team ran an older Citroën Xsara WRC car in all but two of 2009’s twelve events to achieve a hugely credible fifth place in the WRC drivers’ championship. Off the rally stage, another milestone was achieved in September when Solberg secured a C4 WRC car from Citroën. He used the much newer C4 for the first time in Spain, finishing fourth and commenting: “Do I need to say any more? I’m back!”
“Petter and his long-time Welsh co-driver Phil Mills both said that fourth place was the biggest moment in their careers since some successes in 2004,” says Mallard. “When you see the sheer amount of hard work Petter’s whole team is putting in with what is, in WRC terms, a very modest budget, you can see why the Spanish placing was such a significant moment for them all.”
Rees described the Spanish success thus: “We never did doubt that Petter would adapt to the car quickly as he did with the Xsara at the beginning of the season. But he did exceed our expectations and felt very confident in the car by the end of day one. He started day two fully confident and was straight on the pace, setting fastest time in the afternoon on the longest stage, and continued this on the third day with three fastest times. The team, as usual, worked exceptionally well and we are very pleased with both the car and the performance.”
For 2010’s campaign with the newer C4, due to his privateer status Solberg benefits from advantages such as being allowed greater freedom in matters like pre-event testing and the quantity of available parts.
Regrettably the 2010 season didn’t start the way Solberg wanted with spins and off-road excursions meaning he could finish no better than ninth in the snow of Sweden. But a hard-fought second place in Mexico, third in Jordan and second in Turkey – all tough, rock-strewn events where Solberg was trading stage times with Loeb and Ford’s best – see Solberg arrive in New Zealand second on the leader-board, behind Loeb.
Mallard says rally fans and commentators alike are now saying it’s only a matter of time before Solberg wins a WRC event again.
Solberg says Rally New Zealand has always been one of his favourite events. “I really look forward to arriving there soon with my own team. I really think the stages around Auckland will suit us perfectly and we’re definitely aiming for another podium.”
Holmes says Solberg has lost none of his driving flair despite the constant pressures. “After all, he’s the most recent Nordic driver to be the sport’s world champion. But nothing relieves the pressures of being the team proprietor and the driver for this enormously popular competitor. For personality and determination Solberg is most definitely a world champ; all he needs now are top podium finishes to prove the point completely.”
And that’s a sentiment that Kiwi fans of Petter ‘Hollywood’ Solberg will surely endorse.
So its gonna be a mix of Ravishing Black and White for Kimi Raikkonen this season
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
This guys is Crazy. The more you know about him, the more you see his videos and the more you read about him makes you feel insufficient. I am feeling his Aura.
This being my first year to know him makes me feel envious of Rally Fans who are Petter Fans.
I feel its a Luxury to be a Petter Fan.
He is Outstanding in every aspect. Awesome Awesome Personality. I am just being drifted as being a die hard Rally fan. I am loving this sport so much more.
I mean even before i started following F1 or just about then i knew whom i hated. And here in WRC i can find not a single point to hate any of the drivers.
They all are so much more likeable. This sport has given me a completely different feeling. Calm and Relaxed and yet the most skilful genre of motor sport.
First Kimi then liking ogier,petter,bosse,hirvo and everyone else, this is indeed turning out to be the best journey of my life as a spectator of any sport.
Superb.
This being my first year to know him makes me feel envious of Rally Fans who are Petter Fans.
I feel its a Luxury to be a Petter Fan.
He is Outstanding in every aspect. Awesome Awesome Personality. I am just being drifted as being a die hard Rally fan. I am loving this sport so much more.
I mean even before i started following F1 or just about then i knew whom i hated. And here in WRC i can find not a single point to hate any of the drivers.
They all are so much more likeable. This sport has given me a completely different feeling. Calm and Relaxed and yet the most skilful genre of motor sport.
First Kimi then liking ogier,petter,bosse,hirvo and everyone else, this is indeed turning out to be the best journey of my life as a spectator of any sport.
Superb.
So its gonna be a mix of Ravishing Black and White for Kimi Raikkonen this season
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Hey, cool! Nice idea for a thread! Petter, you have my support! Go Petter!
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Luie, that was absolutely fantastic, thanks a million
I'll have to edit the first post in the Sébastien Ogier -thread and put some information too, just like you put about Petter.
Oi, after what you wrote one just becomes a fan of him
Here are some pictures of Petter, you can see how little money they have when the mechanic cooked the meals outside in Rally Sweden 2010 - More sponsors for Petter a.s.a.p.
I'll have to edit the first post in the Sébastien Ogier -thread and put some information too, just like you put about Petter.
Oi, after what you wrote one just becomes a fan of him
Here are some pictures of Petter, you can see how little money they have when the mechanic cooked the meals outside in Rally Sweden 2010 - More sponsors for Petter a.s.a.p.
To be changed soon - rko281, where are you??? LOL
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
He is my most favourite among the rally drivers if you take out Kimi. It's a shame he does not have a car to compete for the championship. Nothing says more about the sorry state of WRC regarding manufacturers, than Petter not having a championship-contending car. What a travesty! Anyway, the guy is a great bloke and it is natural to root for him. The clip that shows the moment he wins the championship at the last stage of the last rally in 2003 - Sweet!
Curious case of Kimi Raikkonen..
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
SpaMaster wrote:The clip that shows the moment he wins the championship at the last stage of the last rally in 2003 - Sweet!
Wow, for his fans at the time it must have been something close to what we had felt when Kimi won his title.
LIVE TIMING WRC: http://www.wrc.com/
DRIVER COMMENTS, LIVE TIMING & STATISTICS: http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/
DRIVER COMMENTS, LIVE TIMING & STATISTICS: http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Nice topic!!
I like Petter. He drove Subaru and won the championship!!
When Subaru withdrew in 2008 we Japanese fans were sorry for him.
This year he is competitive and we are happy for him.
I've heard that he likes some Japanese foods, sushi and "katsudon".
Katsudon is pork cutlet on rice.
I like Petter. He drove Subaru and won the championship!!
When Subaru withdrew in 2008 we Japanese fans were sorry for him.
This year he is competitive and we are happy for him.
I've heard that he likes some Japanese foods, sushi and "katsudon".
Katsudon is pork cutlet on rice.
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Thanks for the post Luie!!!
Petter is such a great driver and he's so funny!!! I like him!!!
BTW, it's so easy to like the WRC drivers they are so cool!!!!
Petter is such a great driver and he's so funny!!! I like him!!!
BTW, it's so easy to like the WRC drivers they are so cool!!!!
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Absolutely agree!!!!! Especially with the bold part!luieluv wrote:This guys is Crazy. The more you know about him, the more you see his videos and the more you read about him makes you feel insufficient. I am feeling his Aura.
This being my first year to know him makes me feel envious of Rally Fans who are Petter Fans.
I feel its a Luxury to be a Petter Fan.
He is Outstanding in every aspect. Awesome Awesome Personality. I am just being drifted as being a die hard Rally fan. I am loving this sport so much more.
I mean even before i started following F1 or just about then i knew whom i hated. And here in WRC i can find not a single point to hate any of the drivers.
They all are so much more likeable. This sport has given me a completely different feeling. Calm and Relaxed and yet the most skilful genre of motor sport.
First Kimi then liking ogier,petter,bosse,hirvo and everyone else, this is indeed turning out to be the best journey of my life as a spectator of any sport.
Superb.
I like all the WRC-drivers but Petter has my biggest sympathy (apart from Kimi of course)!
Great thread!
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Thank you all for the kind words.
So its gonna be a mix of Ravishing Black and White for Kimi Raikkonen this season
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
MONEY-TROUBLES SLOW SOLBERG DOWN
21.04.2010 11:39 (päivitetty 11:40)
Petter Solberg claims that money-troubles are slowing down his speed.
Solberg is racing in the WRC-serie with his own team's Citroen-car. His money is yet limited so he has to be careful so he doesn't break the car.
- We could go faster but I lose time on some stages because I have to be careful and take care of my car, Solberg told.
Despite all of this Solberg came in 2nd in Turkey Rally.
- It's great to fight in the top. Our budget is so small that it feels incredible, Solberg said.
21.04.2010 11:39 (päivitetty 11:40)
Petter Solberg claims that money-troubles are slowing down his speed.
Solberg is racing in the WRC-serie with his own team's Citroen-car. His money is yet limited so he has to be careful so he doesn't break the car.
- We could go faster but I lose time on some stages because I have to be careful and take care of my car, Solberg told.
Despite all of this Solberg came in 2nd in Turkey Rally.
- It's great to fight in the top. Our budget is so small that it feels incredible, Solberg said.
To be changed soon - rko281, where are you??? LOL
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
LOEB: SOLBERG IS STARTING TO BECOME DANGEROUS
19.04.2010 17:26
Solberg is now 2nd in the WRC-serie. He is 40 points behind Loeb but Loeb knows the skills of the Norwegian driver.
- Petter drove really well. He was fast on most stages and very fast on others. Looks like he has found his driving rhythm and understands better how the car works. He is starting to become dangerous, Loeb said.
Solberg has threathened that he will find more speed once he gets more familiar with the Citroen-car.
- He always talks a lot. We'll see, Loeb laughed.
(MTV3)
19.04.2010 17:26
Solberg is now 2nd in the WRC-serie. He is 40 points behind Loeb but Loeb knows the skills of the Norwegian driver.
- Petter drove really well. He was fast on most stages and very fast on others. Looks like he has found his driving rhythm and understands better how the car works. He is starting to become dangerous, Loeb said.
Solberg has threathened that he will find more speed once he gets more familiar with the Citroen-car.
- He always talks a lot. We'll see, Loeb laughed.
(MTV3)
To be changed soon - rko281, where are you??? LOL
Re: Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg - 2003 World Rally Champion
Thanks Nikki!!!!Wolfie wrote:LOEB: SOLBERG IS STARTING TO BECOME DANGEROUS
19.04.2010 17:26
Solberg is now 2nd in the WRC-serie. He is 40 points behind Loeb but Loeb knows the skills of the Norwegian driver.
- Petter drove really well. He was fast on most stages and very fast on others. Looks like he has found his driving rhythm and understands better how the car works. He is starting to become dangerous, Loeb said.
Solberg has threathened that he will find more speed once he gets more familiar with the Citroen-car.
- He always talks a lot. We'll see, Loeb laughed.
(MTV3)
Loeb is a smart guy!!! He knows Petter is a really good driver and he's doing great even with the bugdet problem!!!
I guess we will see an amazing battle ahead in the WRC 2010!