Morgan Andersson claims that his Norway-based Adapta World Rally Team is close to clinching a deal with Subaru to run a two-car manufacturer team in the 2009 World Rally Championship season.

Andersson, the team's manager, had confirmed that they were in the midst of negotiations with Prodrive, Subaru's rally specialists, and that talks were at an advanced level now. The decision is expected to come in by the 1st of September, later this year. If things go ahead as decided, then the Adapta World Rally Team will field two Impreza World Rally Championship cars with the extremely able technical support team from the Subaru World Rally Team.

20-year old Mads Ostberg is touted to be one of the two drivers while Petter's elder brother, Henning Solberg is being considered to be the second man. Ostberg has set a personal goal of being part of a Manufacturer team by 2010 and this amalgamation, if it comes off, will be the ideal launch pad for his already impressive career. In 2008, Ostberg will be defending his Norwegian Rally Title, which he won by claiming first place at each and every event in 2007. He will also be a part of the 2008 World Rally Championship calendar for 8 events.

His best finish so far came during Rally Sweden when he was coming in sixth place ahead of Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson. Unfortunately, a tyre puncture saw him drop down to, and finish in, ninth place. In the second half of the season, he will be participating in the rounds at Finland, Germany, Spain, Corsica and Wales.

Andersson said that he is in no hurry to look for hs second driver. He says that the search will begin seriously once the deal is signed although he did give an indication that they might be looking at the elder Solberg brother for the position.

"Of course we have great names in Norway, like Henning Solberg but that would be like a dream for us," said Andersson. "And that's all it is right now, because he has a contract with Stobart at the moment, but he would be the ideal type of driver for us. We know that Henning is a good person, gives a lot from himself and is experienced. If he was to drive for us he would have first priority, which means he would be competing at the highest level all the time."

Another Norwegian, Andreas Mikkelsen, the man currently just ahead of Ostberg in the 2008 Norwegian Championship, is also in contention for the seat. "We haven't spoken to him yet but he's also a possibility to look into," said Andersson. "Andreas is a very talented driver and a good friend of Mads. Two youngsters working hard to try and make the best of a good situation could be interesting."