In 2003, Sébastien Loeb was on the cusp of beginning a legacy. But, before that was to begin, there was a Norwegian who wanted his moment in the spotlight first. This week, WRC+ Focus zooms in on Petter Solberg’s 2003 world title.

Having finished second and third respectively in 2002, Petter Solberg and Spain’s Carlos Sainz were always going to be among the frontrunners in 2003, along of course with 2002 winner Marcus Grönholm and the ever-present Richard Burns.

Not too much thought had necessarily been given to former Junior World Champion, Loeb, who despite having two podium finishes a season previous, was yet to show the consistency required of a title contender.

But as the 2003 season unraveled; it was clear that Loeb was not about to let the top guns have it all their own way. Entering the penultimate round in Spain, just six points divided Sainz, Burns, Solberg and Loeb – with Grönholm a distant 12 points adrift and his dreams of back-to-back world titles all but over.

Tune in to this week’s WRC+ Focus, to see how this fascinating battle drew to a conclusion, coming down to the final day of the season, at Wales Rally GB.

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