Solberg comes to dead end

Norway's 2003 world rally champion Petter Solberg announced on Tuesday he will not race at the top level next season. "It is very sad and I would have liked to continue for a few more years but I realise it is not possible to race in the WRC (World Rally Championship) next year," said the 38-year-old, who has won 13 rallies in 188 starts. "I said that I was ready to race for nothing but I am not willing to pay to race. "It does not mean that you will never see me again in WRC but for the moment I think it is the best decision," added the 38-year-old Finnish driver. Solberg's star has been eclipsed by French legend Sebastian Loeb, who has been crowned world champion nine times and won 76 rallies which played a big part in the 15 second place finishes accumulated by the Norwegian. Solberg - a former acrobatic dance star - finished fifth overall this year.