2003 World Rally Champion and reigning 2014 World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg may end up next year. Two words, Solberg: .
Solberg left the WRC in 2012 when Ford withdrew its entries, and has been trying his hand at rallycross ever since, where he feels as if his experience with the World Rallycross series has given him an additional edge against his WRC competition. In comments made to :
I definitely feel [like] a more complete driver now. When I started in Condroz [this year], the feeling was stronger than ever behind the wheel.
What I have been doing for the last two years has made me look at everything and analyze it a little bit differently. I'm driving better than ever now.
The Silly Season isn't limited to Formula One, of course, as drivers in all disciplines of motorsport scramble to nail down rides for the following year. Solberg is part of the mix, trying to find sponsors who want to see him defend his current World Rallycross title.
Other options have popped up in the silly season, however—in particular, options to return to the World Rally Championship. This, of course, was where Petter Solberg won his first world championship in 2003, driving for Subaru.
Many believe that had Solberg not faced as many issues with reliability, he would have had several more titles on top of 2003's. Solberg returned to do the Condroz Rally this year, only to retire with transmission issues in his Citroën C4 WRC.
He is too late to join in for Rallye Monte Carlo next month, but Rally Sweden is a possibility. He likes Sweden. We like Sweden. Petter, this is a win-win for everybody. DO IT. DO IT NOOOOOOOOW.
Solberg remains tight-lipped on where he may be heading next year, having this to say to Autosport:
Things are happening, and, yes, maybe it is possible [to go back to the WRC].
Nothing is sorted for next season. I always said I would never say never when I was asked about going back to the WRC.
Rallying is in my heart and always will be.
One thing is certain, though. Petter Solberg in a reliable WRC car would be one of the best presents we get this holiday season.