Solberg switched to the Finnish team this season, along with a new car – the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. He was the clear pre-event favourite in Sweden, and he lived up to those expectations.
“It’s a big relief to start with Toyota and win. And winning this rally three times in a row is also a very special feeling,” Solberg told RallyJournal.com.
Solberg knew before Rally Sweden that his home event fell into the category of a “must-win” rally.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself in preparation with the car and with the team to be at the level I wanted to be before this weekend. And I knew that if we managed to reach this level, the chances of winning straight away would be quite good. So that was the goal and the plan,” Solberg said with excitement.
During Rally Sweden, Finland defeated Sweden in ice hockey, but Solberg got his revenge in rallying.
“Sweden need to toughen up a bit in hockey,” Solberg laughed.
“But yeah, it’s a fantastic feeling. Beating the Finns is one thing, obviously, but I’m winning with a Finnish team and with a Finnish car, so for sure that is also something special,” he added.
Solberg finished 42.5 seconds ahead of second-placed Roope Korhonen and more than a minute ahead of Mikko Heikkilä.
