Swede success for Solberg

Petter Solberg got his world championship campaign back on track with victory in the Swedish Rally today as his chief rivals hit trouble.

Solberg started the day locked in a tight battle with Peugeot’s Marcus Gronholm but was left in a clear lead when the Finn crashed out on stage 16.

Subaru driver Solberg carefully negotiated the final snowy stages to secure a comfortable victory and put the Norwegian firmly back in the title race.

World champion Sebastien Loeb, who won round one in Monte Carlo two weeks ago, was on course for second place when his Citroen developed engine trouble, eventually forcing him out on the penultimate stage.

Markko Martin recovered from a slow start to the rally to creep up the leaderboard and his two stage wins today helped him claim second place overall for Peugeot.

Toni Gardemeister claimed his second consecutive podium finish for new employers Ford with third place after a careful three-day effort.

Mitsubishi’s recent resurgence continued with Harri Rovanpera taking fourth place while Henning Solberg, brother of Petter, brought his Ford home in a credible fifth.

Daniel Carlsson won two stages today on his way to sixth in his Peugeot and the other Mitsubishi of Gianluigi Galli came home seventh after slipping away from the podium battle following problems.

Ford’s Roman Kresta took the final world championship point for eighth.