Solberg confirms next two rallies

Solberg clinched the final sponsor needed for him to continue in the WRC last week, when he revealed a new livery for the Xsara including the logos of oil firm Shell.

Despite that deal, the 2003 world champion says he is still not certain to be seen on every one of the six remaining rounds of the championship. Australia and Catalunya are the events he could miss.

"It's very good news to get the extra sponsor confirmed," Solberg told AUTOSPORT. "We will continue to see what happens with the car. We have some new ideas for Greece, but I will also test something else after that rally.

"I can say I will be in the car [Citroen Xsara WRC] for the next two events and we'll see after that. If the test with the other car goes well, then we'll use it in Finland."

Solberg pointed out that shipping costs were the chief reason for potentially skipping Rally Australia's return to the WRC calendar.

"Australia is an expensive rally, but nothing is decided yet," he said. "Spain is the other possible one to miss, because it's asphalt and you need more for an asphalt rally, but let's see. Everything can still happen, but we'll test the car next week and take it from there.

"The good thing is that we're in Greece and we're going to be out a lot more for the rest of the season - but I still want to be fighting at the front."