In an exclusive interview for the Blackmore Vale, the Norwegian champion said: “If it was me, I would join the team that gives me the most commitment and stability. And for me that is Toyota.”
The Japanese brand returns to the World Rally Championship in 2017 and have made Northern Irishman Meeke an offer of a three-year contract.
“To me it is a clear decision,” says Solberg. “He must think long-term.”Delaying Meeke from putting pen to paper and following Solberg’s advice, is Meeke’s employer for the past two seasons, Citroen.
It was the French team who finished second in this year’s World Championship. And it was in their DS3 that Meeke took his debut world championship win Argentina.
“Kris is very close to being very, very fast,” continues Solberg. “So what he needs now is the whole package of support as he tries to be World Champion.”
A major disadvantage to signing a deal with Toyota is that Meeke may lose his competitive edge in 2016 without the chance to drive regularly.
“So, find a solution,” says Petter. “He must find other things to do to keep sharp: smaller rallies, something in a national championship, other events around the world.
“That will get him ready for 2017. And he must do all the recce weeks in 2016.”
Lurking in the back of Meeke’s mind is a concern that the new Toyota team, run by former four-times World Champion Finn, Tommi Makinen, is more of an unknown quantity than Citroen. The French team won the world championship eight times, on the last occasion 2012.
“It is simple,” believes Solberg. “Toyota is in the championship to win it. Tommi will be the best. He has good opinions on what to do.”
However Citroen are believed to be keen to enter a private team to give Meeke the chance to compete in the 2016 season. But time is running out for them to top Toyota’s offer.
“It’s true we have to make a decision before 18th December,” Citroen team boss, Yves Matton, told Autosport this week.
“That’s the date for entries to close for Monte Carlo.”
Responding to talk of Meeke’s Toyota move, Matton added: “I can tell you we are still talking to Kris, but I prefer to make my negotiations directly with Kris rather than in the media.”