World Rallycross champion Petter Solberg has been presented with a Gregor Grant Award at the 2014 AUTOSPORT Awards.Solberg’s success in the inaugural world series for rallycross made him the first man to win FIA world titles in two separate disciplines, as that victory came 11 years after he won the World Rally Championship as a factory Subaru driver.
His rallycross title was earned in his own PSRX independent Citroen team, against works opposition from Volkswagen and Peugeot.
As he accepted his award, Solberg said: “I had a fantastic career in rallying and then we had a chance to do other championships. When I do things in life – [I] have to give everything. I give my whole life to everything – I don’t know anything except cars [and] it’s fantastic.
“Rallying is where my love is. [But] Circuit racing is fantastic – giving that last one per cent is very, very impressive.”
The Norwegian was one of the first major names to put his faith in the rallycross renaissance, with his decision to switch from the WRC to contest the 2013 European series playing a significant role in the sport’s rapid growth.
In his first career in rallying, Solberg became a fan favourite for his exuberance both on and off the stages.
His halcyon days came with Subaru and included his defeat of Sebastien Loeb to claim the 2003 title.
Although his fortunes waned along with Subaru’s in later seasons, his commitment remained absolute – and he created his own privateer team to stay in the sport after the Japanese firm withdrew, becoming a giantkilling underdog before earning a return to the factory ranks with Ford.
