Solans, who won the Junior WRC title in 2019, faced a tough battle to secure funding and build a career at the highest level. For a while, it seemed like the career of Carlos Sainz’s protégé might be over.
In 2023, Solans claimed silver in Spain’s highly competitive national rally championship, and finally, last season, he secured full-season funding for WRC2. Solans made an immediate impact in May, taking Toyota’s Rally2 car to its first WRC victory in Portugal. He followed this with a podium finish in Sardinia in June, though results after that were inconsistent.
Despite the challenges, Solans convinced his sponsors to back him for another full WRC2 campaign this year, with an ambitious goal in mind.
“I feel very fortunate to have landed on my feet in this amazing team, to be honest. Above all, because of the incredible people I have around me. For me, they are the best there is,” Solans told the Spanish Marca newspaper.
Solans’ main sponsor is the Philippines Department of Tourism, while Teo Martín Motorsport manages the car’s technical operations.
“This project is amazing; it couldn’t be better. Now I know I have everything in my hands to try to fight for the championship. Let’s see if we can achieve it next year,” Solans said.
Like Solans, Sami Pajari also competed in WRC2 with Toyota’s equipment last season, ultimately winning the championship. This success earned Pajari a spot in a Rally1 car for the 2024 season. Solans dreams of one day reaching the top tier as well.
“The situation with Sami is a very clear reflection of how close we were to deserving a similar opportunity. We achieved the first victory with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in Portugal. Then, of course, he won in Sardinia, and it was announced that he would move up to Rally1. Honestly, we were very evenly matched in terms of times and performance,” Solans pointed out.
“Something similar happened to me with Ford and Fourmaux [Hyundai’s new factory driver]. I won the Junior World Championship, and he didn’t, but in the end, he moved up. So, I’ve had many teammates or direct rivals who have reached the top. Hopefully, I can do the same.”
Solans believes his team is fully committed to helping him rise to Rally1.
“I believe they are trying to prepare me in the best possible way to reach that level. Ultimately, it’s in my hands. I can’t complain; I’m not lacking anything, and everything depends on me, on performing at my best and proving that I deserve the chance to move up to Rally1,” Solans concluded.
