Solberg To Light Up Autosport International

Newly-crowned FIA World Rallycross Champion and former World Rally Champion, Petter Solberg will showcase his skills at Europe's biggest motorsport show Autosport International.

One of the sport's most popular figures, Solberg will perform stunts in the UK's largest indoor racetrack, the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena, during the event at Birmingham's NEC on 8-11 January*.

Having claimed the World Rally Championship with Subaru in 2003, Solberg added a second FIA title when he lifted the 2014 World Rallycross crown in September, with two rounds of the series remaining.

The Norwegian, driving a 600bhp Citroën for his own PSRX Team, has been in the thick of the action, winning four of the 11 rounds and entertaining the vast crowds all over the world. The season concludes in Argentina in late November.

In addition to his appearances in the Live Action Arena, Solberg will feature in Autosport Stage interviews and conduct autograph sessions.

"My 2014 started with a visit to Autosport International, where it was great to see the enthusiasm that so many fans have for rallycross," Solberg said.

"It's gone on to be an amazing year, one that I'll always remember; winning the FIA World Rallycross Championship, thoroughly enjoying motorsport and witnessing the growth of the series. I'm really looking forward to not only being at the show again this January, but getting behind the wheel in the Live Action Arena."

Solberg joins British Touring Car Champions stars Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden as guests at Autosport International's 25th anniversary celebration, with more guests to be announced.

Along with Solberg's appearances, every Live Action Arena session will feature live racing, drifting, stunts and displays of some of the latest performance cars.

"Petter Solberg is one of the genuine personalities of motorsport, and we are delighted to have him as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations," Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said.

"The first time Petter attended Autosport International was in 2004 as the new World Rally Champion, so we're looking forward to having him at the show this January as the new World Rallycross Champion, showing fans what he can do in the Live Action Arena."

Tickets to Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children's tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.autosportinternational.com

Notes to editors

*8-9 January are dedicated Trade-only days

Applications for media accreditation are now welcomed through http://bit.ly/ASI15accred until 20 December 2014. Full terms and conditions can be found at http://www.autosportinternational.com/trade/Content/Media-accreditation-TandCs

For more information or high resolution imagery, please contact a member of the Autosport International Press Office on +44 (0)1908 635300 or email asi-pr@rsm-auto.com.

Tickets are now on sale for the public show, which is held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on 10-11 January 2014. Advanced adult tickets cost £32, with children's tickets priced at £21 (children under five years of age go free). Group tickets are also available. Paddock passes are available from £42, with VIP tickets from £120.

Paddock passes include general admission plus: access to Driver Signing Area where visitors can get autographs of famous drivers and motor racing celebrities, access to the backstage Paddock Area and a paddock guide.

VIP tickets include: exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand, complete with complimentary champagne and canapés, a dedicated Club Lounge where VIP Club ticket holders can chill out, complimentary parking at the NEC, complimentary cloak room, access to Driver Signing Area and dedicated VIP signing sessions, fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena and access to the backstage Paddock Area, plus a paddock guide, show guide and goodie bag.

For more ticket information call +44 (0)844 581 1420 or visit www.autosportinternational.com