Solberg urges World RX bosses for electric decision

Petter Solberg has warned that his PSRX team could lose its Volkswagen support if the electric future of the World Rallycross Championship isn’t confirmed in the coming weeks.

Volkswagen had planned to sign up for the electric switch for 2020, before it was forced to be postponed until 2021. While the German marque is still keen to be part of the concept, following Peugeot’s recent withdrawal, Volkswagen would need to be joined by at least two other manufacturers for the transition to be confirmed for 2021.

The deadline for marques to sign up is March 29 next year, but Solberg says his team needs a clear idea about the future in advance of that date if it is to maintain Volkswagen backing for the next two years.

“I think there has to be a very clarified plan that we have to go electric, just to put down the foot and this is how we’re going,” Solberg told Motorsport News. “Time is going, it just has to happen pretty soon with the commitment and I think that’s the only thing that can happen for the future. It has to happen. It’s very clear.” He continued: “It should be clear before that [March 29 deadline], that’s for sure. If nothing has happened before the end of December then it will be a different thing. For next year, as I said, things have to happen around the electric, that is the key for everything and for the future.” Ford has publicly made noises about its interest in the series, while MN understands a third brand is in talks about a possible entry.