Solberg has delivered truly astonishing results behind the wheel of Toyota’s Rally1 car. The young Swedish driver has now contested two World Rally Championship events in the car – and has won both of them.
Last summer, Solberg caused a major shock at Rally Estonia when he was given a chance to compete in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 and went on to take victory in dominant fashion.
For this season, Solberg was officially promoted to Toyota’s factory team. He was not considered a favourite for the opening round beforehand, but he still managed to surprise even himself. Once again, the win came by a clear margin, and with it he moved to the top of the World Rally Championship standings for the first time in his career.
Toyota boss Kankkunen claimed four world titles during his own career, but Rally Monte Carlo always eluded him.
“This was one of those Monte Carlos like in the old days. You couldn’t have driven the rally any cleaner, although Oliver did have some luck on his side as well,” Kankkunen told RallyJournal.com.
Kankkunen was referring to an incident on the third day of the rally, when Solberg ran wide off the road but avoided damaging his car.
“If the ditch had been a metre deeper, or if there had been a rock or something else there, that would have been it. But you need luck in Monte Carlo. I’ve driven Monte Carlo 15 times, and nobody gets through this rally without a bit of luck,” Kankkunen explained.
“But you also need to keep your nerve here. I already said before the rally that this is not a place where you drive flat out from start to finish. You have to keep your eyes open in this event.”
Solberg’s performance was of such a level that many within the sport have suggested he could even be ready to fight for the world title this year. Kankkunen, however, is keen to temper those expectations.
“I think all ten of those guys are trying to fight for the championship. Oliver is certainly one of them, but everyone is chasing it.“
“You also have to remember that, for example, he doesn’t have a lot of experience in Croatia. You have to look at the whole season. But it was a great drive from the lad – you can’t do anything but tip your hat,” Kankkunen said.
The World Rally Championship season continues in just over two weeks’ time with Solberg’s home event in Sweden.
