Solberg believes Subaru can achieve great things Driver profile: Petter Solberg

The Norwegian, tipped as a future world champion, was being courted by other teams but has preferred to build on his relationship with Subaru, which he joined in 2000.

"Maybe I could have switched teams and perhaps got into another car that could have won straight away, but there would be no feeling or passion about that," he said.

"When we start winning at Subaru, I will have worked hard and there will be a feeling of achievement and that's what I really want."

Solberg won the Rally of Great Britain at the end of last season and finished runner-up in the world championship, but has yet to establish himself as a regular winner.

Subaru team boss David Lapworth said: "The first priority for us has to be to sign a driver who can win rallies and championships, and having worked with Petter for three years we're perhaps in the best position to make that judgement about his talent.

Team profile: Subaru

"But Petter has proven to be as much a team player as a fast driver.

"The three-year deal reflects two things - our confidence in Petter and Subaru's commitment to a long-term future in rallying."

The identity of Solberg's team-mate for next season is not yet known.

His current partner, four-time world champion Tommi Makinen, has recently intimated he might go back on his earlier intention to retire.

And Richard Burns, who has yet to win a rally in a season and a half at the dominent Peugeot team, has been linked with a return to the team with which he won the title in 2001.