SS7: Petter loses third

Petter Solberg’s chances of a podium in Sardinia were dealt a blow on Saturday’s opening test when the Norwegian was 40 seconds off the stage winning pace.

The Subaru World Rally Team driver declined to comment on his performance at the end of the stage and kept his car’s window shut as he drove through the interview zone. His car’s external appearance showed no signs of accident damage, but on Friday’s stages he had reported suspension and brake problems.

Solberg began the day 18.1 sec behind second place man Dani Sordo, but the time lost on SS7 meant he slipped four places to seventh overall.