Solberg considers IRC return

Solberg was forced to retire from the Monte Carlo Rally after his 207 S2000 was halted by an alternator failure after the final stage on the IRC opener. The 2003 World Rally champion has now been linked to an entry on the Tour de Corse, IRC round three in May.

"If I do Corsica, I would have a very good idea of the car set-up for dry asphalt," said Solberg. "This was the problem for me in Monte Carlo - we had done nothing in these conditions, no work at all.

"In the test, we had worked like hell in the full rain, the fog and the snow, but nothing in the snow. It took time for me to find the right settings with the car. The other [Peugeot] guys were running a full asphalt specification of car, but mine was always a little bit softer.

"I would like to do some more, but we have to see. It was great fun to come and drive the car, great to drive for a team and just to worry about the driving and none of the financial things."

Solberg also praised the IRC series, adding: "It's a great atmosphere around here, really friendly and good guys. And the competition is tough, you know drivers like [Juho] Hanninen are right at the top level and would be in the WRC."