Solberg gets deal in time for Sweden

Rally of Sweden entries closed this afternoon, reportedly without an entry from Solberg - but the Norwegian's team manager Ken Rees has confirmed to AUTOSPORT that the former world champion will start the season opener in an all-new DS3.

"We're doing Sweden," Rees said. "It's been a bit hectic, with a lot of telephone calls, but Benoit [Nogier, Citroen Junior Team principal] tells me the entry will be going in for us in the next hour."

Solberg has been battling to raise the cash for this season throughout the winter. He was unavailable for comment as he was finishing his fourth and final day of testing with the Peugeot Sport team - ahead of his Super 2000 debut on next week's Monte Carlo Rally.

"I spoke to Petter earlier," said Rees, "and the test has gone very well. He's had a lot of time in the car and he's very happy with the way things are looking for Monte Carlo. It's going to be a good event for him, then he can focus on Sweden and the new Citroen."

Rally of Sweden clerk of the course Bertil Klarin admitted he would be prepared to hold entries open for Solberg.

Klarin said: "The sport needs Petter and, while we are obliged to get our paperwork started and to get the entry off to the FIA, we would not be the people to close the door on him."