12 Aug 11

Q&A:
Henning
Solberg

Henning Solberg, the elder brother of 2003 title winner Petter, has been a regular fixture in the World Rally Championship for the past seven seasons. But how much do we really know about the affable Norwegian?

Well, wrc.com discovered a few gems during this Q&A session. Please note: wrc.com users who attempt to recreate Henning’s favourite sandwich do so at their own risk.

What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
“My cabin in Sweden is nice. I like to be there. It’s quiet and in the middle of nowhere so you can do lots of things."

How well did you do at school?
“Quite well, I have to say. Probably my best subject was mathematics.”

What was your favourite toy as a child?
“Radio controlled cars - just like Petter.”

If you were stranded on a desert island what three items would you need to survive?
“To survive I’d need a hook to get some fish, a knife and something to create a fire. Simple. If I’m not completely stranded then I’d swap one item for a speedboat so I can get away.”

If you hadn’t become a rally driver what job would you be doing now?
“A down hill skier. If you see my legs you’ll understand. Either that or a mine clearer.”

What’s the most annoying thing about your co-driver?
“That she is so quiet sometimes!”

Who is the unsung hero in your team?
“Unlike previous years I cannot say George Black, the tyre engineer, anymore because he only has to get us one tyre. So I’ll say Jack, the guy who works on the left-hand front corner of my car. He’s good, works hard and as he’s working on the recce as well he has a double job.”

What’s in your favourite sandwich?
“Chicken, onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, cheese, tomato and avocado. It’s true. I make it often.”

What would you do on your perfect day off?
“If I ever got one It would be something with my family. Probably horse riding with my daughter who is ten and is already jumping over one metre. With my son I’d go cross-karting. He is leading the Norwegian championship and is number two in Sweden. That’s a good day and one that would make you scared and nervous too.”

Your team boss is coming over for dinner. What would you cook for him?
“I have a very special chicken soup. I cannot tell you what is in it because it’s a secret, but it’s spicy and hot.”