Rising Rallycross star Alexander Hvaal has fulfilled his youthful dream, as the 21-year-old will be the partner and apprentice of Petter Solberg (39) in the first all-Norwegian World Rallycross Championship team.
The Norwegian dream duo turns its forces together and is focussing on “the double hit” in the inaugural WorldRX series, both the World Rallycross Championship titles for a driver and a team. Alexander Hvaal is set to drive car number two in the Petter Solberg World Rallycross Team. “While Alexander tested with us in October he impressed me a lot and it became clear that he would be our first choice driver,” says Petter Solberg.
Hvaal impressed especially by being victorious in both the last two rounds of the 2013 RallycrossRX series, undoubtedly his final breakthrough in the highest level class of Rallycross. Now, with his eyes focussed on the next step upwards, into an all-new World series with all rounds covered live on TV, the youngster from Larvik is keen to be even more successful. “I want to be the best. Therefore, I have to play the game big style and learn from the best. The reason why I grabbed the chance to team up with Petter Solberg. 2014 will be a crucial year for my future career. I am very privileged to have the opportunity to play an important role in the World’s best and most professional Rallycross team,” claims Alex Hvaal.
It is for the first time in Petter Solberg’s long and successful motorsport career that the 2003 World Rally Champion takes a talented youngster under his wings. “Hollywood” Solberg himself grew up as a racer among rallying legends, such as the late Scotsman Colin McRae and Finn Tommi Mäkinen. “There is undoubtedly a lot of talent in Alexander. Into the bargain, he is a likable and humble person with his feet firmly planted on the ground. If he is willing to acquire the right knowledge and will be given time to develop as a Rallycross driver, he has without a doubt a successful future ahead of him,” praises Petter Solberg his team mate.
Alex Hvaal is going to drive the 2013 Citroën DS3 SuperCar of Solberg, while the PSRX outfit is building an all-new DS3 for Petter. The team will put all resources in its work to prepare both cars well and to overcome the engine problems that hampered “Hollywood” for much of this year. “A new French engine supplier ensures that I feel totally confident that all problems will be resolved. We will use our time well until the season starts, to build up the World’s best Rallycross team. With Alexander Hvaal joining us we make a good step towards our goal,” states an optimistic Petter Solberg.
Photo: The target of Petter Solberg and Alexander Hvaal is to win both, the driver and the team WorldRX titles. © JKR/ERC24