A few weeks ago, Petter Solberg announced that he had signed a deal with Citroen to race a C4 WRC with his namesake privateer team on the final two events of the 2009 World Rally Championship: Spain and Great Britain.

It has now appeared that the Norwegian's participation in this season's final rally will not occur under Petter Solberg World Rally Team colours, but rather under the flag of the Citroen Junior Team.

The change of plans took place when he accepted an offer from Citroen to support part of his entry costs for this year's round in Great Britain.

"Now I will definitely be fighting for victory in GB," Solberg told the WRC's official website.

"I'm driving for the Junior team but hey, I'm only 34 and a lot of people say I look 29 so that feels okay to me," he added with a smile.

Solberg's role could become crucial regarding the outcome of the championship fight between Citroen's Sebastien Loeb and Ford's Mikko Hirvonen. With only two rallies to go before the season concludes, a five-point gap exists between the two crown contenders and Solberg might take precious points away from either.

The manufacturers' title is still up in the air as well: as a privateer, Solberg only recorded driver points this season, but as a Citron Junior Team driver in Great Britain, he will also be allowed to take manufacturer points during the final round.

Solberg has won Rally GB four times, and with top-of-the-line machinery now at his disposal, will be aiming to add another win to his tally.

"I will be driving my own rally and I'm going to be pushing like hell to win it," the 2003 WRC champion said. "I have to take this chance to prove what I can do."

Solberg has been in talks with both Citroen and Ford regarding car options for next year's championship, which he plans to contest with his Petter Solberg World Rally Team. Although he chose to drive a C4 to close the season, that does not mean the doors to a partnership with Ford are closed.

"Driving for Citroen in GB doesn't mean I've chosen them over Ford for next year. Nothing is decided yet and anything is possible," he pointed out. "There's a lot to be done before I know what's happening in 2010."