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Petter Solberg will soon make an announcement on which car he will drive during the 2009 season of the World Rally Championship - but has denied claims he has already purchased a Citroen.

Norwegian Solberg was left without a drive when Subaru elected to pull out of the WRC.

He has lodged an entry for his home event next month but was unable to reveal which car he will use - with rumours linking him with a range of machinery from an Adapta-run Subaru Impreza to the new S2000 Proton Satria Neo.

Suggestions were made that Solberg has already secured the use of a Citroen for the season ahead, but the Norwegian moved to quash those claims while revealing he expects to reach a decision by the weekend.

"There are a lot of rumours on the internet saying that I bought a Citroen," he said. "That is not correct. Nothing is decided regarding a rally car yet.

"There are still some issues to sort out regarding which car I will be driving this season, but a decision will be made next weekend."

Despite quipping that he could still launch a late bid to compete in the season-opener in Ireland if "someone gives me a car", Rally Norway is the more likely option for Solberg's seasonal bow - and he said he was disappointed not to be able to start his campaign with the first event on the WRC calendar.

"I am very disappointed not be to competing in Rally Ireland," he said. "I did not choose this situation but I know I have a lot of fans in Ireland and it means I will not get a chance to meet them or race for them.

"It was a very good rally (back in 2007) and there was a great atmosphere in Ireland for it, especially as it was the first time. Unfortunately the weather was not the best but the fans were great and the organisation of the event was excellent."

Solberg also added that Sebastien Loeb was likely to be the man to beat in the season opener, but tipped Sebastien Ogier as one to watch after his impressive run on Wales Rally GB.

"At Rally Ireland we will get a chance to see who will be challenging this year," he said. "I believe Loeb will be close again but it will be interesting to see how the top four perform in Ireland.

"There is also some great talent coming through and people should be watching Sebastien Ogier this year as he had a great year last year."

Crash.Net / Eurosport