Solberg wary of title challenge
Supermag Rally Italia Sardiania winner Petter Solberg has warned his Subaru team that it must knuckle down and do everything it can to maintain its current form if it is to keep his slim world championship hopes alive
The Norwegian, who has won the last three rallies, believes his team is now the best in gravel conditions but, with two tarmac events coming up - starting with the Tour de Corse in two week's time - he knows that nothing can be taken for granted.
Despite his recent form, Solberg still lies 26 points adrift of title rival Sebastien Loeb in the championship standings - meaning that Loeb only needs to finish a few places behind Solberg in the Tour de Corse to clinch the title with two rounds remaining.
Speaking about his success in Sardinia, Solberg said: "It's a fantastic feeling, but it's been really hard work all the way. Phil was cheering as we crossed the finish line, but I was still too focused on the driving to take it all in! It's been a very good few rallies, let me tell you, and it's a great feeling to take another win here, the team have been working so hard, and I think we've proved that we're the best team on gravel now.
"The event has been good fun to drive, I didn't feel I was pushing to the limit, but the tyres were good, the car worked well and when everything comes together like that it's much easier for me. Pirelli have been very good here, I must say, our tyre choices have been perfect all weekend and I want to thank them, the team and everyone at Subaru for a great job.
"Next up we've got two tarmac rallies, I have to do the best I can. I actually prefer tarmac to gravel, but I know we have a lot to do. We still have a chance for the championship. It's very small, but it's still there."
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