Rally Norway opens in style

Around 5,000 people lined the main square in Hamar town centre when Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Petter Solberg waved competitors off the start ramp on Thursday evening.

Norwegian PM Jens Stoltenberg had a chat with “old friend” Henning Solberg, having been Henning's co-driver for a rally drive around Hamar during last Autumn's election campaign.

“Thanks for that.  That was a big day for me!” beamed Stoltenberg as he clapped Henning Solberg on the shoulder and wished him luck. Henning Solberg was the first over the start ramp, and received a wild welcome from the cheering spectators looking on.  Loud disco music, lights and fireworks accompanied the first class rally show in Hamar's centre.

“I got goose bumps when I saw all the people here,” said Petter Solberg, who was a very poular man in Hamar.  It was pure pop star hysteria when Petter and Jens Stoltenberg met the rally public!

Published: 2006-02-09 23:00