Norwegian great Solberg comes to dead end

PARIS (AFP) –

Norwegian driver Petter Solberg poses near his Ford Fiesta RS WRC in October 2012. Solberg announced on Tuesday he will not race at the top level next season.

Norway’s 2003 world rally champion Petter Solberg announced on Tuesday he will not race at the top level next season.

“It is very sad and I would have liked to continue for a few more years but I realise it is not possible to race in the WRC (World Rally Championship) next year,” said the 38-year-old, who has won 13 rallies in 188 starts.

“I said that I was ready to race for nothing but I am not willing to pay to race.

“It does not mean that you will never see me again in WRC but for the moment I think it is the best decision,” added the 38-year-old Finnish driver.

Solberg’s star has been eclipsed by French legend Sebastian Loeb, who has been crowned world champion nine times and won 76 rallies which played a big part in the 15 second place finishes accumulated by the Norwegian.

Solberg – a former acrobatic dance star – finished fifth overall this year.