Solberg promises a ‘fight'

Subaru's Petter Solberg has promised 'a hell of a fight' between himself and Wales Rally GB leader Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) as the two prepare for the final showdown on Sunday

Sep 18, 2004, 8:14 PM

The Norwegian has closed the gap to Loeb to just 7.3s with four stages remaining on the third and final leg tomorrow. These include three of the rally's longest stages with two runs through the 30kn Rhondda test and another trip through the Margam Park stage, which Solberg won comfortably from Loeb today.

"We struggled a little bit more than I expected today, but Sebastien has driven well and their tyres seem to be doing a good job when it's very slippery," Solberg said.

"Now I'm taking some risks," he added. "I went off the road on the second stage of the second loop. I braked too late and nearly went into a ditch. It could have been a lot worse - it's like ice out there. I'm not surprised by Sebastien's pace, though. He's still pushing hard, and I'd do the same in his position."