---

RALLY: Solberg makes debut for Ford in Sweden

6 February 1999

When Petter Solberg starts next weeks Swedish Rally he will be realising a key personal ambition. At only 24 years old, this amiable Norwegian will be starting his first event for Ford in an M-Sport prepared customer Ford Escort World Rally Car.

"I have been looking forward to this event for a long time," said Petter. "This is the start of a new opportunity for me, a new car and a new team. For this rally I will be concentrating on driving and gaining experience."

The Swedish Rally has long been dominated by Scandinavian drivers and Petter is hoping to continue the tradition. A number of years spent competing in Norway and Sweden has enabled him to develop an understanding of the unique conditions that are an integral part of Scandinavian events. "I have very good experience of rallying on the types of surfaces you find on the Swedish Rally as have the M-Sport team and Michelin, so I can see us having few problems in Sweden in terms of setting up the car and dealing with the conditions," said Solberg.

This event will be Petters first drive in a Ford Escort World Rally Car and he will be using Sweden as an opportunity to gain further World Championship experience in preparation for future events in a customer Ford Focus World Rally Car.

"Obviously I will want to drive as fast as possible here in Sweden, but Malcolm Wilson, M-Sports team director has said to me that the most important thing is for me to finish. I would be very happy though with a finish in the top ten and some good stage times," said Petter.