After problems earlier in the event, the Subaru team's focus for Leg three of Rally Sweden was on testing and learning for the future.
Chris Atkinson worked on evaluating new set-ups for the Impreza WRC2006 and ended the rally 11th to score 3 manufacturers' points.
Petter Solberg had a good start to the Leg with a third fastest time in one of the morning's stages, but his car stalled at the start line of SS18 and a starter motor problem prevented them from getting underway within the regulation 20 second period. Solberg finished the rally but was later excluded from the final results.
Petter Solberg“I just don't know what to say. I'm trying to remain positive about things but it's certainly been a weekend to forget. Clearly we've got a lot of work to do now to get things back to normal. I want to thank everyone who supported us this weekend, there were so many Norwegian flags by the side of the road and I'm sorry we weren't able to get a better result.”
Chris Atkinson“We're pretty happy today. We took some steps forward with the set up and learned a bit more. The pace was a bit better and I think we're learning things for the future. Sweden's a good fun rally, but it hasn't been good for our team at all. I'm looking forward to our test for Mexico in a couple of week's time. I'm hoping for a better result there.”
David Lapworth, SWRT Performance Director“This just hasn't been our rally and all of us in the team share Petter's disappointment and frustration. When they were able, Chris and Petter showed glimpses of the potential of the WRC2006 but, for a number of reasons, our overall performance was way below our expectations. The important thing is that we learn from what has happened this weekend and come out fighting in Mexico.”
After the frozen forests and snow-covered barren landscape of central Sweden, the FIA World Rally Championship heads to warm, sunny Mexico. Part of the calendar since 2004, the event has become well-liked thanks to the high-speed, picturesque gravel roads and beautiful scenery. Crews climb into the mountains around host city Leon to some of the highest stages in the championship where both car and driver are tested to the max.
