Oliver and Petter Solberg set to duel in Karlstad

When the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia 2024 takes place in Karlstad on June 13-15, a very fit Petter Solberg will be at the start. It's the first time in almost five years that the former world champion is driving at championship level.

- The car calls out to me every time I'm in my workshop. It's like it's begging me to use it. And you can't just ignore that," says Petter Solberg with a twinkle in his eye.

In Karlstad, Petter will be joined by Jonas Andersson as co-driver. The Swede has previously helped Mads Østberg to a WRC round victory and compatriot Pontus Tidemand to the WRC2 title. Solberg and Andersson have never competed in the same car before.

But Solberg doesn't quite believe in a comeback victory.

- I don't start the race to win. The aim is to put on a show and enjoy the driving. We know that there are a lot of very fast drivers in the European Rally Championship and that the battle for victory will be fierce. "It's approaching five years since my last race. It's not easy to turn on the speed in the championship after such a long time away.

Petter was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2017. The disease affected his lungs, vision and energy, and in 2019 the Norwegian rally star decided to retire. Since then, the Spydeberg native and his wife Pernilla have concentrated on following their son Oliver's career.

Despite his young age, Oliver has become well established in the rally circus and has, among other things, climbed to the top in the Nordic Rallycross Championship, Rally Estonia in the R5 class, and last year's Royal Rally of Scandinavia.

Oliver is clear about what his goal is when he competes against dad Petter.

- To beat him, of course. And to win the whole race.

- This was my idea. Since I drive for Škoda now and can't use the car I won with last year, I told my dad he should use it.

- And once everything was in order for him, I had to find a solution to drive the rally myself as well.

Petter and Oliver Solberg have only raced against each other once before. It was during dad Petter's very last race, in Wales Rally Great Britain. Dad Petter was best in the WRC2 class and took 10th place, while Oliver, who was making his WRC debut, had to retire.

Naturally, Oliver wants revenge.

- Now it's time for a little revenge, Oliver grins.

- Well, no. It's just going to be really fun to compete with my dad again. The times will probably be extra exciting this time. At the end of the speed trials, it's his times I'll be looking for first.

It's not going to be easy, according to Oliver.

- We drove a bit together during the winter, and he still has it in him. Dad was still very fast. But he talked a lot about the sheet music. It's probably going to be difficult and unfamiliar for him to put all his trust in the sheet music again after such a long time away," says Oliver Solberg.

Mom Pernilla also plays a central role in the Royal Rally of Scandinavia. She is President of the World Rally Championship Commission in the International Automobile Federation. Pernilla was appointed on the basis of her extensive experience, including as a rally driver and team manager for Petter Solberg's World Rallycross Championship campaign.

In her role, she will be a contact person for all parts of the rally sport, from the teams and organizers, to the drivers and car factories.

We wish the Solberg family the best of luck - and regardless of who comes out on top in the father and son duel, we hope that both Petter and Oliver have a great experience and reach the finish line safely!

Read more about Safedrive's collaboration with the "world's fastest family"