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Solberg seeking manufacturer deal to commit to World Rallycross

Newly crowned World Rallycross champion Petter Solberg is looking to land a deal with a manufacturer to enable him to commit his future to the series

The Norwegian has dominated this year's inaugural World Rallycross Championship, winning four rounds and taking the title with two races to spare, with his own private team.

His title defence will, he feels, require more support next season.

"We have done this on our own," Solberg told AUTOSPORT. "We have competed with and beaten the big manufacturers this year, but it's been tough.

"The good thing is that we have an unbelievable team of guys who are willing to do everything it takes to be world champions."

Solberg is rumoured to have had offers to return to the World Rally Championship next season - along with the potential for race seats in other series - but he says he will be happy to stay in World RX with the right deal.

"The racing here is fantastic," he said. "We have made one hell of a show this year.

"I want to stay, I am ready to stay for the future, but I want to work with a manufacturer and I need a good backer."

Solberg enjoyed funding and technical support from Citroen for last season's European Rallycross Championship, but the development of his DS3 Supercar has been carried out by his own PSRX team this season.

"When you look at the resourced of the guys from Volkswagen or Peugeot or Ford, we have to be so proud of what we have achieved," he added.

"But I feel like we are ready for the next step now."

The 2003 World Rally champion took his second FIA world title with third place at last weekend's World RX of Italy - adding the crown to his 2003 WRC success.

On the subject of a possible rally return, Solberg added: "My immediate focus is on going to the final two rounds of this year's [World RX] Championship and driving freely and without any pressure.

"As well as that, I'm working towards next year and defending the title.

"I love rallying, everybody knows that, but there hasn't been any discussions about doing back [to WRC]."

This week's AUTOSPORT magazine - available on Thursday - features an exclusive guest column from Solberg on his World Rallycross success this year.

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