Petter Solberg has turned down an offer to drive for the Courage-Oreca team in the 2009 Le Mans Sportscar racing series because he wants to give priority to his WRC programme.
Speaking to wrc.com, Solberg revealed that after testing the team’s Judd-powered LC70E earlier this year he had been offered a full Le Mans Series contract, which included the legendary Le Mans 24 hours race.
But after turning down a crucial Le Mans test in favour of more time in his Citroen Xsara World Rally Car, Solberg decided he couldn’t commit to the whole Sportscar series.
“I had to make a tough decision,” he explained. “But because I hadn’t done so much testing it would have been difficult to do Le Mans. So that was it. I liked my time in the Oreca car, I enjoyed it and it gave me a kick, but I also enjoy rallying and I’m not finished here yet. There might be the opportunity to do some other Le Mans Series rounds with the team later in the season, we’ll see.”
Solberg was back on the race track last week, however, when he was invited to drive a friend’s ex Michael Schumacher Ferrari F1 car. Solberg flew to Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Italy to drive the 2005 season car, and completed four laps before a gearbox problem brought the session to a premature end.
“I hope to get another go in the car soon, but even after four laps I’d answered a lot of questions!” said Petter. “The acceleration through the first four gears is just incredible, and then it keeps on going through fifth, sixth and seventh. After a short time I felt comfortable enough to brake as late as the test driver, and keep a good line. By lap four we got a maximum speed of 296.8kph - it was fantastic fun!”
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