Petter Solberg will make his competitive debut next month (October 5) in the Defender Rally Series at Ireland’s Clare Forestry Rally in partnership with Castrol EDGE.
The triple FIA world champion will return to Irish rallying in a rally-prepared Defender 90.
Predictably, Petter’s excited about the opportunity to drive a new rally car somewhere different.
Petter said: “The Defender 90 is very cool and, from what I’ve seen, it looks like a really capable rally car. For sure, it will be a big challenge, it’s not really like anything I’ve driven before, but you know me – when I pull on the helmet and tighten the belts, I’m ready for anything!
“I will test before the event, which will give me an idea of what’s to come. But the main thing for this event is to go and have some fun, showing off Castrol EDGE and experiencing the Defender Rally Series. And, of course, because it’s Ireland, it’s going to be a good day.”
The six-stage event brings 43 competitive miles and a first return to Irish rallying in 17 years.
Petter added: “I competed at Rally Ireland when it was first in the World Rally Championship back in 2007. I remember the fans and the love for the sport from back in that time – it was incredible. I’m really excited to be back in the country and back meeting some of those fans again. But is that right, is it really 17 years?”
Petter’s enthusiasm is matched by that of Castrol EDGE’s Global Sponsorship Manager, Donald Smith: “Our longstanding relationship with Petter has gone from strength to strength over the years—from his World Rally and World Rallycross career to becoming a Castrol Ambassador, as he passes his extensive knowledge down to the next generation. We're delighted that Petter will participate in the Clare Forestry Rally with the Defender Rally Series, of which we are a proud partner. Petter's involvement is a powerful technical statement for all parties involved. We know he won't do things by halves, so we look forward to seeing him on the stages!"
The Clare Forestry Stages is the latest round of the 2024 Defender Rally Series, a hugely successful single-make series run by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) subsidiary Bowler Motors.
Calum McKechnie, General Manager, Bowler Motors’ said, “Bringing the Defender Rally Series to the Republic of Ireland for the first time is an exciting development for the Series. Ireland's incredible rally heritage has produced some of the sport's greatest moments and competitors, and it's a privilege to race on these iconic stages. We're also thrilled to welcome Petter Solberg to the Series for this event – his experience will add an exciting dynamic to the competition and, while he won't be able to score championship points, we're looking forward to seeing how the rest of the Defender Rally Series drivers measure up to a genuine WRC legend.”
Kommentare