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WRC Pirelli driver blog - Petter Solberg

Saturday:

What can I say? Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse for us. I recharged overnight and was ready to fight this morning for Manufacturers' points, and then more problems again.

One of the rear shock absorbers broke and the car was just so, so difficult to drive until we came back to service. I lost a lot of time, but we fixed it during the service. In the afternoon we were pushing so, so hard. It was just boring having to drive slowly - it's not my style.

Then, as we were running fastest on SS15, the brake caliper started leaking and we had to ease off. It was so disappointing to go off in the last stage, and that was the end for us. I couldn't slow the car down enough when we came to a sharp right-hand corner after a fast straight. I thought we had enough run-off, but there was a ditch we went into and that was it.

I really wanted to win here. We made a big effort to come here last year for the recce, and I really felt that helped our pace notes. I'm feeling fit and was ready for it, but it just didn't go right for us.

That's all I can say, that's all I'm thinking at the moment. For sure, there are some great stages and scenery out here, but when it's not going well these things are less important. It's a shame.

I met Prince Feisal lots of times during this event through my role in Peace Through Sport, and he even gave me the gift of a very special watch. I was feeling really at home here, so it's very disappointing not to be able to finish the event today.

But, we have to focus on Sardinia now, so I'll see you there.

Petter

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