Petter Solberg on the podium in Bulgaria

Petter Solberg finished the Rally of Bulgaria in third place and was clearly delighted at this result.

Having recently appointed Chris Patterson as his new co-driver, the Norwegian expected to have a tough time in Bulgaria but it eventually went really well for the new pairing.

“This feels so great”, said Petter Solberg. “Two weeks ago we didn’t even have a co-driver, so being on the podium today feels like a big achievement. What Chris has done this weekend is absolutely amazing, and being on the podium is a big bonus. The car has worked perfectly during the rally and the team has made a great effort in getting us where we are today. It makes me really proud when our little private team is able to actually have a proper fight with the big manufacturers.”

"We knew it would be very difficult. I am very happy we are third”, he added. “We took five stage wins and the car worked very well. To be third or second, it doesn’t matter so much - being on the podium was the most important thing. We could have been second - everything was possible - but I think it wasn’t the time for it. I needed this podium, though. Chris worked very well and I am very pleased with what we have done."

Chris Patterson was also awarded the “Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally” Award for his great effort in Rally Bulgaria.

“ I am so happy today”, he said. “Who would have thought this? Two weeks ago I were at home reading the Sunday news, and today I am at the podium in a WRC-event. And on top of that, I’ve got the “Spirit of the rally” award. It is absolutely fantastic.”