Former World Rally Champion Petter Solberg is wasting no time getting behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC as he prepares for the 2012 season.

The Norwegian rally driver got his first taste of the Blue Oval’s Fiesta RS WRC this week when he completed close to 200 miles (320 kilometers) of driving in the French Alps.

“It was a very good start,” Solberg told Autosport. “We had absolutely no problems, now I just can’t wait to get started on the Monte Carlo. The Monte is one of the great rallies in the sport and having it back in the championship is very important for us all.”

Solberg, who was announced as Ford’s number two earlier this week, will have Chris Patterson on his side for next year’s championship.

Check out the video below from Solberg’s first drive of the Fiesta RS WRC in France.

VIDEO