Solberg: I need a ride to prove I can win again

Petter Solberg says he’s not done yet when it comes to winning FIA World Rally Championship titles, even though he’s facing the prospect of heading into the winter break without confirmation of a drive for next season.

The ever-popular Solberg won the 2003 WRC crown with Subaru but was forced to compete as a privateer for three seasons following the Japanese make’s withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2008. He drove for the works Ford team in 2012. After a strong start, his form dipped and he finished fifth in the final table.

“I know I can win another championship and I absolutely know that this Ford Fiesta RS WRC is good enough to win the title, and is still getting better,” the Norwegian told told Autosport.com.

With Ford cutting its title sponsorship from the WRC for next season, M-Sport, the team behind the Blue Oval’s factory operation, is currently not able to offer Solberg a ride for 2013 unless external funding becomes available.

“I’m desperate to carry on driving,” said Solberg. “I love this sport, it really is my life. I love everything about the World Rally Championship. But I have to consider the fact that I might have to retire from the WRC. I have to think like this. I’m a professional driver and if I can’t make a living doing this then I have to look for other work, it’s as simple as that. If I do retire, it would be nice to have started and finished my WRC career with Ford.”