Oliver Solberg returns to defend his victory at the Royal Rally of Scandinavia from last year. It was already known that father Solberg would also participate in the competition this year.
Last year, Oliver Solberg won the ERC rally with the family’s own Volkswagen Polo R5 car. This time, that car will be used by Petter Solberg.
“Obviously, now I’m with Škoda, I can’t drive the car I used last year – so I was telling Dad: ‘Come on! Take the Polo, go and have some fun!’ He didn’t take much persuading. And then once he was all sorted, then I knew I had to find a way to drive on the same event and against him,” Oliver Solberg recalls.
Oliver Solberg debuted in the WRC in the Wales Rally GB in 2019. At that time, he drove in the same team as his father. On that occasion, WRC2 class winner Petter Solberg was better than his son. Oliver, however, suffered from technical problems and eventually had to retire after a crash.
“Maybe it’s time for some revenge,” Solberg jokes.
“Seriously, it’s just going to be really nice to compete on another event with my father. Of course, it’s going to be interesting to look to the times and, yes, probably when I’m at the end of the stage, his is going to be the first one I look for.”
Since his WRC debut nearly five years ago, 22-year-old Oliver Solberg has made significant strides in his rally career. He has already tested his mettle in the top tier of the WRC and is currently among the elite in the WRC2 class.
Petter Solberg, who turns 50 this year, has not competed much in recent years. According to Oliver, Petter still has the speed.
“We drove together in the winter, and he still has it. He did mention the notes, which might be more challenging for him since he has to rely on them again after such a long break.”
The Swedish ERC rally provides Oliver Solberg with an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming fast summer WRC rallies. Next on the calendar are the gravel rallies in Poland, Latvia, and Finland.
Oliver’s main goal is clear.
“Of course, to beat him. And win!”
The Royal Rally of Scandinavia will be held around Karlstad from June 13-15. The competition will feature several big names, including New Zealander Hayden Paddon, Norwegian veteran Mads Østberg, Frenchman Mathieu Franceschi, Latvian promise Martins Sesks, and Finn Mikko Heikkilä.
