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Solberg reckons WRC can recover

Former champion Petter Solberg believes the World Rally Championship has the potential to recover from its current crisis but has called for better promotion of the sport

Solberg is currently searching for a new drive after Subaru pulled out of the WRC last month, just days after fellow Japanese manufacturer Suzuki's exit.

The companies' departures mean that only Citroen and Ford will enter factory squads in the 2009 championship.

The FIA has now approved a switch to the cheaper Super 2000 regulations from 2010, and is close to finalising a deal for International Sportsworld Communications to continue as the WRC's global promoter long-term, but Solberg feels that rallying's marketing potential has not been exploited in recent years.

"You can say whatever you want, rallying is a very good sport," said Solberg on stage at the Autosport International Show.

"The cars are the same as people are driving on the road. Some rules have to be changed, that's for sure. We have to make it easier, more open for other manufacturers.

"It's a very cheap sport, the only thing we need is a little bit better promoters to take control of everything and get people even closer to the sport. I think there are a lot of opportunities and you have to fight on."

When asked if the promotion of the WRC was improving, Solberg replied: "It goes too slow, they have to react faster. Too many people, too many decisions, too many bosses.

"You just need to go forward now and think about the manufacturers, the TV, the people, and make it right for them. You just want to be there, making a good show, and make people happy. That's what we try to do."

The Norwegian is working to secure a drive in his home event next month, but is not optimistic about his chances of a full-time deal for 2009 - especially as he wants to ensure he has a competitive package.

"There are a lot of things for 2010 but for 2009, I don't know," said Solberg.

"I'm trying everything I can, but obviously things have to be right. I need the right people around me. I'm not coming just to drive and have fun. I want to fight at the top. It has to be right before I do it. I'm not going to panic."

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