Five unlikely epic drives: Petter Solberg

The first Norwegian rally driver to win the FIA World Rally Championship back in 2003, racing legend Petter Solberg is most likely to be found kicking up the dust in his VW Polo R Supercar or spraying Champagne on the podium. Heading back to his rally days, he tells The Club about his favourite routes that are open to the public and ready to thrill.

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Ouninpohja, Finland

The Ouninpohja road on Rally Finland is one of the world’s most famous stages. We had an incredible time competing there – in 2004 we set the world record and held it for 10 years. It’s a 33km stretch of gravel and because there are so many jumps you fly through the air frequently. It’s fast, fun and, in my opinion, the number one road anywhere – though you definitely need a car with good suspension.

Car of choice: Volkswagen Polo R WRX Supercar

Explore Finland

Photo: Shutterstock

Col de Turini, France

This is a famous stretch of tarmac in the Alps and a regular feature on the Monte Carlo Rally. You climb up through incredible twists and hairpins to find ice and snow at the top. During the rally lots of fans line the route having barbecues, as they did when I broke the record there in 2002. Anybody can drive this road and take in the stunning scenery – it really is a very special experience.

Car of choice: Citroen C4 WRC

Discover France

Photo: Getty Images

North Island, New Zealand

This 26km gravel stage starts inland on the Waimaori Road and snakes its way to the Whaanga Road, which winds along the coast. It’s a very technical, twisty road with a lot of camber so it has unique characteristics. The gravel is like ball bearings and it’s easy to go wrong – I once broke the power steering on the twistiest road in the World Championship. Halfway into the stage, however, the view opens up to the sea on the left-hand side and it’s simply spectacular.

Car of choice: Subaru Impreza WRC 2004

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Photo: Getty Images

Nyaru to Eldema Ravine, Kenya

I could really have picked any road from the iconic Safari Rally. This particular stage is high-altitude and you start at the top of the hills and descend. It’s a winding, dusty gravel road with drops looking out across amazing scenery, but with the constant danger of running into wild animals. The risk is so high that, when we visited, helicopters were there to warn us if anything was on the road ahead. I came close to hitting a giraffe, but thankfully neither it nor I came into no harm!

Car of choice: Ford Focus RS WRC ’99

Discover Kenya

Photo: Getty Images

Copina to El Condor, Argentina

I have very good memories from here. You start at a low level and end up higher than 2,100 metres. The route is narrow, tight and twisty over hanging suspension bridges and between huge rocks. When you reach the peak it feels as if you’re driving through the sky. The weather can be changeable though – one year when I got to the top the road was slick with ice. It’s other-worldly and a pretty strange environment, but a special one.

Car of choice: Subaru Impreza WRC 2006

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Photo: Getty Images

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This article has been tagged Adventure, Driving