Solberg targets a podium in Sweden

Starting tomorrow, Rally Sweden will open the 2011 World Rally Championship.

Petter Solberg will contest it at the wheel of a Citroën DS3 WRC prepared by his eponymous Petter Solberg World Rally Team. The Norwegian is eager to start this first rally of the season and to race a DS3 he really likes. Being his usual self, he intends to fight for a podium in Sweden.

“I am so ready to start this rally now. I felt at home behind the wheel of my new Citroën DS3 WRC from the very first moment. I’m going to fight for a podium this weekend!”, he said. “It is a masterpiece, with so many small fine details. It looks so cool, also inside the cockpit. The DS3 is easy drive and has a good balance so I’m looking forward to finally start.”

22 stages and 351 competitive kilometres are waiting for the drivers. A brand new stage is presented this year, SS4 and 7 Løvhaugen, which starts in Sweden, takes the drivers to Norway, and ends back in Sweden.

The final stage of the rally, SS22 Gustavsfors, will be broadcasted live on TV. The stage is the weekends Power Stage, and drivers are able to score extra points.

“To finish the rally with a Power Stage is a great idea”, says Petter Solberg. “If you are fastest trough, you will be awarded with 3 points, and that is important points. I think that this may give the spectators some action at the end of the rally, and prevent us from just driving safely to secure our places.”

Rally Sweden gets off with a Super Special in Karlstad on Thursday evening. The stage starts at 20.04, and will also be broadcasted live on TV.