Solberg had originally been entered for the fast gravel rally in Estonia with Toyota’s Rally2 car, in which he has delivered excellent performances this season in the WRC2 category.
However, on Thursday Solberg revealed that he will in fact be driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car, competing in the top-level class.
“I just want to say a big, big thank you to the team for giving us the trust to jump back into the Rally1 car. It’s a dream come true,” Solberg beamed in a video shared on social media.
Solberg last competed in a Rally1 car in 2022, when he drove for Hyundai’s WRC team. At the end of the season, he was dropped by Hyundai and has since been competing in WRC2.
For this season, Solberg switched to Toyota’s Rally2 car and joined the Printsport team, which has strong ties to Toyota’s WRC operation. It was essentially just a matter of time before Solberg would get his first chance in a Toyota Rally1 car.
“We have been waiting for this for a very long time. After a super strong season so far, I think we are more than ready, we are confident, and we have built a great relationship with the team,” Solberg said.
“Now I just want to start the rally and give it a good go. Let’s see what we can do. We are there to have some fun and gain experience with the car.”
There had been long-running speculation over whether Solberg might get a Rally1 drive from Toyota for Rally Finland. However, Toyota revealed on Wednesday that Sébastien Ogier will be competing in Jyväskylä, meaning the team will already have five Rally1 entries for the event.
Following last weekend’s Acropolis Rally in Greece, Solberg remained tight-lipped about any Rally1 prospects.
“I don’t think it will happen (in Finland). But again, it’s you guys (journalists) who make these rumours, not me. So I don’t know,” Solberg said coolly.
Rally Estonia will take place from 17–20 July. Toyota will have five Rally1 drivers in the event – in addition to Solberg, Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari will also be at the starting line.
