PSRX Volkswagen Sweden pauses rallycross programme
Two years ago –
and in record time – PSRX Volkswagen Sweden was formed. Since its
inception, the Torsby-based team has redefined success in motorsport.
Under the guidance of team principal Pernilla Solberg, Johan
Kristoffersson and Petter Solberg have won 19 from 24 FIA World
Rallycross races since the start of last season. That’s an unprecedented
success rate of 79 per cent.
Johan has won back-to-back drivers’ championships and helped Petter
secure PSRX Volkswagen Sweden’s 100 per cent success rate in terms of
teams’ titles – an impressive display in one of only four FIA-sanctioned
world championships.
Unfortunately, the loss of competitors in the FIA World Rallycross
Championship means PSRX Volkswagen Sweden will sit out the 2019 series.
The team and its partners, Volkswagen Motorsport and Volkswagen Sweden
will focus their attentions on other areas and disciplines in motorsport.
Monster Energy remains a valued PSRX team partner next
season.
Team principal Pernilla Solberg said: “It’s really sad, but the
declining numbers of teams in the series makes it impossible for us to
remain for 2019.
“You wouldn’t believe how much pride I have in what this team has
achieved. It’s incredible to think where we were two years ago and what
we have done, and what we have won, in that time with a team we created
in just weeks and days. I’d like to thank every single member in the
team, our partners, Volkswagen Motorsport, Monster Energy and Volkswagen
Sweden for the support through 2017 and 2018. We have written a fantastic
story together and we’ll never forget that.”
Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets said: “In the past two years
the competition in WRX between the cars from Audi, Ford, Peugeot and
Volkswagen has been huge, resulting in fantastic sport with close racing
between some of the most famous drivers in motorsport.
“PSRX Volkswagen Sweden had enormous success in World RX and a big part
of this success came thanks to the extremely dedicated work from Pernilla
and Petter Solberg by setting up this fantastic team – and from Johan
Kristoffersson, with his brilliance behind the steering wheel of the Polo
R Supercar.
“Unfortunately, with the exit of three works or works-supported teams
from World RX, the situation has changed dramatically. Together with PSRX
and Volkswagen Sweden, we had to re-evaluate the involvement in the
championship. We certainly didn’t take the decision lightly, but we came
to a mutual agreement not to continue in WRX in 2019 as there is huge
uncertainty regarding the entries and the competition for next
season.
“Naturally, Volkswagen Motorsport will keep a close eye on any
developments towards the electrification of the sport of rallycross. From
the beginning we have been supporters of this initiative and we continue
to be interested.”
“But in the meantime, we would like to thank the promoter IMG and all
event organisers involved for their dedicated work in the past few
years.”
Sten Forsberg, Director of Volkswagen Sweden said: “It’s really sad
that we could not continue in the WRX with PSRX Volkswagen Sweden. From
our side, we had a strong wish to see the team fight for yet another
title. But the decision is a result of the current circumstances and we
hope for a further development towards an electric championship in the
future. I would like to thank Johan, Petter, Pernilla and the whole team
for a great job during these two years.”
This year’s World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson said: “I have
absolutely loved every minute of my two years with this incredible team.
I can’t believe the time has gone so quickly, but it has also gone with
more success than we could have imagined or hoped for!
“Honestly, it’s been a privilege to work with, race with and live with
this PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team. Obviously, I’m really sad not to be
competing in my fantastic Polo R Supercar next season, but I completely
understand the reasons why this decision has come. If we don’t have enough
people to race, what can we do?”
Those frustrations were shared by team owner and triple FIA world
champion Petter Solberg, who added: “We can all see the potential here,
but it’s just not sensible to continue for PSRX Volkswagen Sweden in
2019.
“The important thing to understand here is that this is a pause – a pause
and not an end. As a team, we continue and we work together. We can’t say
much about this now, but there will be more to talk about in the New
Year.
“What we did in two years, to go from absolutely nothing and no team, to
winning both championships in both seasons is an unbelievable start for
this team. Me and Pernilla, we had some sleepless nights to get
everything ready, but it was worth it. And now, we look to the future to
build on that incredible beginning for the team.
“I still believe in World RX. I still believe this championship can
deliver the most sustainable, relevant, entertaining and competitive
racing anywhere in the world.
“We work on the future and we look forward to sharing those exciting
plans with you early in 2019 – and those plans include me being behind
the wheel of a Volkswagen.”
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