Q&A: Henning Solberg - EXCLUSIVE.

by Rob Wilkins

TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH HENNING SOLBERG: CLICK HERE

Henning Solberg will be out to open his account for the year on the Corona Rally Mexico this weekend. The Norwegian would have almost certainly have been on the podium in Sweden but for that costly off on day two. Crash.net Radio caught up with him recently ahead of the third round in the championship...

Crash.net:
Henning, how much are you looking forward to the Rally Mexico and getting back onto gravel?

Henning Solberg:
It is good. We have been testing the car and I like it. We will see when we start the rally though how exactly we get on.

Crash.net:
You showed great pace in Sweden but in the end missed out on a podium. Does that make you extra determined to try and do well this weekend?

HS:
Of course. I really need some points.

Crash.net:
What have you made of the Pirelli tyres this year and how have you got on with the new 'Scorpion' gravel tyres that you will use this weekend for the first time?

HS:
It is a good choice with the regulations [having a control tyre]. I think the Scorpion is a good tyre. I liked it straight away.

Crash.net:
Is this event going to be any different without run-flat mousse?

HS:
Yeah, if we hit something we have no air. That is a big problem. But the tyre itself is good.

Crash.net:
How much of a benefit is it using the 07 Focus this year?

HS:
For me I like it. I really enjoyed using it in Sweden - I have to say that. But I don't know how it will be here until we start the rally.

Crash.net:
How have your pre-event preparations gone for Mexico?

HS:
It feels very, very good. I have been a little bit sick this last day. But now I am ready to fight again. I feel well now.

Crash.net:
Is the Rally Mexico an event you like?

HS:
I like it. I liked it last year also [despite that roll on day 1]. The rally is good here.

Crash.net:
You finished fifth in Mexico in 2006 and were ninth last year. What sort of result are you aiming for this weekend?

HS:
Top-three. I think my position on the road on Friday will help me. It will give me a much better [and cleaner] line.

Crash.net:
What difference if any will it make being nominated for the Munchi's team this weekend as opposed to for the Stobart squad?

HS:
I hope I can get some points for them and then maybe they can help me with some free ice cream in Argentina and then it will be OK!

Crash.net:
What targets have you set yourself for the year as a whole?

HS:
I want to do better than last year [when I finished sixth in the drivers' championship and scored 34 points - with those two podiums in Norway and Japan]. We will see.

TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH HENNING SOLBERG: CLICK HERE