Acropolis podium a strong possibility for Petter

Petter Solberg has a "big opportunity" to claim his second podium finish of 2011 when the world championship resumes on the Acropolis Rally, which starts in the Greek capital Athens on Thursday evening.

That’s the view of Benoit Nogier, the boss of Citroen Racing Technologies, which supplies the Citroen DS3 WRC that Solberg and co-driver Chris Patterson are campaigning this season.

Solberg, currently fifth in the drivers’ rankings, has been a frontrunner throughout the year and has recorded stage wins on all six rounds run so far. However, a combination of mechanical failures and a rare driving error on the Jordan Rally in mid-April means the Norwegian has a solitary top-three finish to his name.

“Petter starts in Greece in good form,” said Nogier. “He was very quick in Argentina and proved that by winning the Power Stage. His test [in Greece on Monday] was only a small shakedown because it was in his rally car [and not a test car] but it was a good chance to get the feeling and work on the set-up. Like all of our drivers Petter has a big opportunity to do well in Greece and a podium is very possible.”

Solberg, who won the world championship crown driving for Subaru in 2003, is prepared for a tough Acropolis Rally as he bids to climb up the championship table.

“Greece will be another tough event,” said the 36-year-old, who competes under the Petter Solberg World Rally Team banner. “But I’m confident that both the car and the driver are up for it. The stages in Greece are really hard on the car, and with only a remote service on Friday you have to avoid hitting trouble. Tyre wear will also be a big issue during the weekend.”

Solberg was a winner in Greece in 2004 and hopes to be a top-three finisher again this year. He continued: “I have so many great memories from earlier events in Greece, so I’m happy we are back here this year and of course, I am aiming for the podium.”