After beginning the weekend 21 factors adrift, Solberg delivered a surprising drive to arrange a last stage decider the place, if he beat championship chief Elfyn Evans, he would turn into world champion.
The 25-year-old, co-driven by Elliott Edmondson, appeared on target to realize his dream having been 1.9s up on Evans’ time earlier than he went off. With two corners remaining. Solberg immediately veered off the gravel highway and into the bushes.
Solberg was capable of return to the highway and full the stage and safe the Rally Sardinia win, however the title went to Evans.
“I anticipated the nook to be high quality and it was high quality till there was a bush, like a gravel financial institution on the surface and I didn’t count on the automotive to hook me in, so it got here like a shock,” mentioned an emotional Solberg.
“I attempted my highest to the very finish and that’s all I can say. I am not a man that offers up. I’ve a variety of ardour.
“It hurts loads however I’ve no regrets. If I didn’t attempt to I had misplaced on time I might be struggling much more, however I not less than tried. I someway obtained the possibility to attempt which was unbelievable.
“I’m proud but it surely hurts. This was my entire dream. I believed I really may do it so it’s a unusual feeling.
“I’m proud and it has been an amazing season total and a rollercoaster of a season and to really have an opportunity was unbelievable. I wrestle to speak about it.
“It has been an amazing yr and I’ve discovered loads. I’ve no regrets and I simply must stay up for the longer term and take the positives and hopefully have a few years to attempt [again].”
Solberg was fast to reward new world champions Evans and co-driver Scott Martin.
“I wish to say a giant congratulations to Scott and Elfyn. They clearly deserve it with the sturdy and constant season they’ve had,” added Solberg.
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