Solberg tops shakedown
World Rally champion Petter Solberg's quest to win his third Rally GB on the spin got off to a good start today in Wales when the Subaru driver was quickest through the official shakedown stage for this weekend's event, which begins tomorrow morning
Tipped by Britain's own former world champion Colin McRae to win an event that he has dominated in recent years, Solberg has been on tremendous form in the WRC. The Norwegian was uncatchable two weeks ago in Japan, and was quick on the asphalt stages of Germany before his massive accident.
With five rallies left, Solberg has to make up a deficit of 30 points to championship leader Sebastien Loeb. It's a tall order but in many ways it means that means the Subaru ace has nothing to lose and can simply go for it.
Ford's Markko Martin was second quickest in his Focus, just a tenth slower than Solberg. The Estonian is another still in with a shout of the title, just one point behind the reigning champion, but he has not won since the Rally Mexico early in the year and like Solberg, has to rely on misfortune befalling Loeb.
Marcus Gronholm was third fastest ahead of Loeb. The Peugeot 307 driver has been fast enough to win everywhere this year and he will be just as quick on the stages of Wales, but his main concern is his new five-speed gearbox, which has proved fragile so far this year.
Loeb's Citroen team-mate Carlos Sainz was fifth quickest ahead of Harri Rovanpara's Peugeot. Francois Duval was seventh quickest for Ford ahead of youngster Daniel Carlsson.
Petter Solberg Subaru 2m20.4s
Markko Martin Ford 2m20.5s
Marcus Gronholm Peugeot 2m20.8s
Sebastien Loeb Citroen 2m21.2s
Carlos Sainz Citroen 2m21.6s
Harri Rovanpera Peugeot 2m22.4s
Francois Duval Ford 2m22.5s
Daniel Carlsson Peugeot 2m23.5s
Mikko Hirvonen Subaru 2m23.7s
Toni Gardemeister Skoda 2m25.8s
Rally Belgium: Sunday Afternoon Highlights
Vodafone Rally de Portugal Friday afternoon recap
Croatia Rally SS5-SS8
WRC Croatia Rally 2021 Teaser
Does Neuville have a point with his Rally1 rant?
OPINION: Thierry Neuville's diatribe against the upcoming Rally1-spec machines that will usher in the World Rally Championship's new hybrid era was remarkable in an era where drivers are usually reticent to air their views in public. But are the Belgian's concerns about speed, safety and cost entirely valid?
How the WRC's new flying Finn reached new heights in the Greek mountains
After Kalle Rovanpera’s historic feat at Rally Estonia, the Finn scaled new heights at the Rally of the Gods with a commanding victory. And this time Toyota’s young star demonstrated why the future is bright with his devastating speed and consistency at the Acropolis Rally
The WRC drivers that came of age at the Acropolis Rally
Five drivers have won first time out at the Rally Acropolis, transcending the tough dirt and gravel Greek roads to cement a place in rallying folklore. Here are three of the first-time winners' tales
Understanding Suninen’s sudden WRC exit gamble
From being considered a likely contender to drive the next-generation M-Sport Ford Puma in 2022, Teemu Suninen's abrupt exit has created plenty of questions. The Finn's bid to become his country's next World Rally Championship winner won't be furthered by being sidelined, but there may be reason behind the decision
Could Spa’s cameo offer the WRC a new avenue to exploit?
OPINION: The Ypres Rally featured a cameo from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in its final stage, giving WRC teams the chance to experience its iconic corners in rallying machinery. It proved to be an engaging addition to the rally, and could perhaps serve as an example for other events to visit famous circuits
How Hyundai's home hero delivered overdue WRC success in Belgium
With limited recent fortune and pressure starting to mount, Hyundai needed a big result at the Ypres Rally. All the key components came together in Belgium to see home hero Thierry Neuville lead a manufacturer 1-2 and kickstart its World Rally Championship challenge
The new car that can resurrect Ford's WRC winning pedigree
M-Sport has become the first to unveil its new-for-2022 hybrid World Rally Championship challenger, the Puma Rally1. Ford has upped its support in a bid for glory, but can the new machine roll back the years and return the Blue Oval to the top of the WRC tree?
The rookie WRC driver aiming to continue Loeb and Ogier's legacies
French drivers have dominated the World Rally Championship across the past two decades; Sebastiens Loeb and Ogier have racked up the titles in commanding fashion. With Ogier calling it a day on full-time WRC competition from next year, France will pin its long-term hopes on rookie Adrien Fourmaux, who looks to have a bright future.
