Solberg enthused following maiden DS3 test

Petter Solberg has described Citroen’s new DS3 World Rally Car as being "good fun to drive" following his first test in the machine in Sweden last Saturday.

The 2003 world champion will contest all 13 rounds of this year’s WRC in a factory-supplied DS3, starting with next week’s Rally Sweden.

Co-driven by Northern Irish navigator Chris Patterson, Solberg covered approximately 260 kilometres during the test held in cold and snowy conditions.

Afterwards he said: “It was good fun to drive, I liked it a lot. One day for a test is never enough but I did what I could. The car was easy to drive to be honest. It had good balance and is neutral, which I like.”

Solberg is now trying to arrange a final test before the pre-rally reconnaissance begins next Tuesday (8 February).

“I want to drive the car again before the rally just to check a few things,” he said.

Given his lack of time in the DS3, Solberg has lowered his expectations ahead of the Karlstad-based season-opener, which runs from 10-13 February.

“I hope to be on the podium but that’s it really,” said the 36-year-old. “It’s going to be a very difficult rally and for me it’s all about getting to understand the car and preparing for the next tests and then for [round two of the WRC in] Mexico.”

Solberg’s eponymous team is planning to run a new livery in 2011, which is expected to be unveiled shortly.