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Solberg set for surgery, targets Estering return

Petter Solberg will undergo surgery in Sweden on Monday following the semi-final accident in the Latvian round of the World Rallycross Championship last weekend that put him in hospital. 

Petter Solberg, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden, VW Polo GTi

Petter Solberg, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden, VW Polo GTi

FIA World Rallycross

Despite breaking his collarbone and fracturing two ribs, the Norwegian will attempt to race in the penultimate round of the series at the Estering in Germany next week. 

“I am in a lot of pain. Today it’s been decided that I will undergo an operation on Monday in Sweden to stabilise the collarbone,” said Solberg in a statement.

“I am preparing myself mentally for that operation at the moment, and my intentions are to compete in Germany next weekend. At least I have decided to give it a try, and if it doesn’t work out, I will accept that also.”

Solberg’s team PSRX Volkswagen Sweden secured the World RX Teams’ championship title in Riga last Sunday, despite Solberg being taken to hospital after his turn one crash in semi-final two.

His teammate, Johan Kristoffersson, also claimed the drivers' title at the same event by winning his sixth round of the season in the Volkswagen Motorsport-built Polo GTI Supercar.

“I was devastated not to be able to celebrate our and Johan’s World Championship success. Instead I was crying out of pain in the hospital when we secured two World titles,” continued Solberg.

“My own and our team’s main target this first season together was to fight for the Team’s Championship, and we reached our goal in the third race from the end.

"I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as a team and of Johan’s fantastic performance on his way to the first World Champion title. I’m sure there’s more to come.”

Solberg remains second in the standings, but is just five points ahead of outgoing champion Mattias Ekstrom and 15 points up on Sebastien Loeb with two rounds remaining.  

“I’m extremely focused on what lies ahead, and all my strength is being used to heal my injuries, get enough sleep, rest and the right nutrition,” he said.

The PSRX squad will also run a third Polo in Germany for Volkswagen test driver Dieter Depping.

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