Solberg became the youngest winner ever of the iconic round in the World Rally Championship. No Swedish driver, not even his norwegian father Petter Solberg, has managed to win Monte Carlo in the WRC era. The 2003 world champion, father Solberg, needed no fewer than ten attempts before he even reached the podium in Monaco.
Among Swedish drivers, Erik Carlsson celebrated victory in Monte Carlo in 1962–63 and Björn Waldegård in 1969–1970. In addition, the legendary rally was conquered by Ove Andersson in 1971.
“This was an amazing dream, and I don’t even understand what has happened. The Swedish national anthem hasn’t been heard here for a long time. It was the fulfilment of one big dream and also incredibly emotional,” Solberg sighed.
Solberg already impressed last summer by winning Rally Estonia in his debut event in Toyota’s Rally1 car. For this season, the 24-year-old driver was signed as a full-time member of the Japanese manufacturer’s team. The season began like a fairy tale with a victory, which keeps Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson’s win percentage at a perfect 100 with Toyota.
“I don’t really know what to say. This is a dream come true, but then again it isn’t, because I never even imagined this was possible. My dream was to be in the top five or perhaps the top three. It’s absolutely insane that I am the winner of this, the most difficult and most legendary rally of them all,” Solberg enthused.
“I haven’t been thinking about the record, but of course it’s completely crazy. When you think about all the people who have tried to get this win over the past 20 years, there are only four names on that list. (Sébastien) Loeb sent me a long and fantastic congratulatory message. That means a huge amount to me.
Father Solberg was there to hug his son immediately at the finish line. Both shed tears after the historic performance. The victory required a great deal of work, as the conditions in Monte Carlo were extremely challenging this year.
“Every kilometre, every stage and every corner were really tricky. I’ve never experienced anything like that. There was a lot to learn, because I’ve never driven this car in such conditions before. Of course there were mistakes here and there, but I am the winner now,” Solberg stated.
Juha Kankkunen, who is largely carrying the responsibility of team principal at Toyota this season, watched the young protégé’s performance in amazement.
“You can’t really drive much more cleanly than that, but there was also a huge amount of luck involved. If the ditch yesterday had been a metre deeper, there would have been a rock there and the situation would be different. I’ve driven 15 Monte Carlos myself, and you’ve always needed luck. You never get through this rally without good fortune, but you also need nerves of steel,” Kankkunen laughed.
“I told him already before the start that you don’t drive here flat out from start to finish. A great rally from the lad – all you can do is tip your hat.”
