On Tuesday, Solberg confirmed the news that he is switching to Toyota’s Rally2 car. The 23-year-old driver will compete next season in the WRC2 category with a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 fielded by the Finnish team Printsport.
This year, Sami Pajari drove Printsport’s Toyota and snatched the WRC2 title right in front of Solberg. Pajari also had the opportunity to drive a few World Rally Championship events with Toyota’s Rally1 car. At the end of the season, Toyota’s WRC team confirmed a contract with Pajari for the 2025 season.
Solberg has spent the last two seasons in the WRC2 category with a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. The Swedish talent is excited about the new challenge.
“Printsport is a very professional, successful team. I know many of the guys from the past, so it felt right to go with them. And, of course, we know all about the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – it’s incredible to think this car only came out for the first time 11 months ago,” Solberg explains.
“I will find out more about how the Yaris feels in stage mode when I drive it for the first time soon. I know it’s a fast car – I know how hard I was pushing to stay ahead of Jari-Matti (Latvala, TGR team principal) when he was driving one in Finland this year.”
According to Solberg, a comprehensive testing programme is planned with Printsport for the 2025 season.
“I’m sure there will be some additional developments coming from Toyota Gazoo Racing. There’s a good plan to be as well prepared as possible,” Solberg says.
This year, Solberg narrowly missed out on the WRC2 title, finishing second. Next season, his aim is to celebrate a championship victory.
“I’m really proud of what we achieved this year and to miss out on the championship by three points definitely hurts. But, I’m only looking forward now. Like I said, I’m super-proud of what me and Elliott ( co-driver Edmondson) did and leaving Skoda was not an easy decision,” Solberg reflects.
“The aim now is to try to win as many WRC2 rounds and, of course, the championship next season.”
The 2025 World Rally Championship season kicks off with Rally Monte Carlo in late January.
