After 12 years of competing, one of the WRC’s biggest characters, Petter Solberg will retire from the World Rally Championships.

A decision was made today that Solberg the 2003 World Rally Champion will step away from the series for now in order to explore and direct focus in a different direction in his successful and decorated career.

His decision brings to an end a 15-year stint in the WRC. In 188 starts at world level, Solberg won 13 rallies, finished second 15 times and came home third on 24 occasions. He scored 852 points and set 456 fastest stage times.

It’s now realised and decided, that there will not be a WRC program for the 38-year old in 2013.

“I am so grateful and happy for what I have experienced during my 15 years in the WRC,says Petter. “For now it’s really quite sad, you know, I would have loved to have driven for a few more years, but I do realise there will not be a WRC program for me next year. I have said I am willing to drive for free, but at this point, I will not pay to drive. This is not to say that you will never again see me in a WRC car, but for now, I think it’s best.”

“I know I am good enough to fight in the top for many years still, but I fully understand the difficult financial situation for the 2013 season for M-Sport, so I wish the team all the best in the future,” says Petter.

“The sport has given me so much, but I want to give a special thank you to all of my fans that have supported me through thick and thin, and given me such a great feeling about what I do, and for being a large reason of why I do it. I do hope you all understand, and I hope you’ll continue to follow me on to my next venture. I promise to bring you something worthy of this. My team and I are hard at work as you read this, and we can’t wait to let you know what are plans are, Petter ends with a smile and that well known glimpse in the eye.”