British driver Gus Greensmith took a significant lead in the WRC2 category right at the start of the event, as Solberg suffered from tire damage. The Skoda driver was at one point seventh in his class, almost four minutes behind Greensmith.
Solberg quickly climbed to second place, but the gap to Greensmith was too much. The Englishman eventually took the WRC2 victory with a margin of nearly one and a half minutes over Solberg, who set the fastest time in his class on 11 occasions over the weekend.
Also read: Now that was intense fighting! Sick driver jokes about his victory in the WRC
During the event, Solberg was vocal in his criticism of tire manufacturer Pirelli. After the Safari, Solberg speculated that the tire damage might have been due to too high tire pressure on the first proper day of driving.
“I started with lower pressure for the rest of the weekend, and maybe that could be it. But I only followed Pirelli’s recommendation, so that’s all you can do,” Solberg stated.
“The crazy thing is, it’s different if there’s a cut in the tire. But when you don’t find anything on the tire, that’s more frustrating.”
However, finishing second meant that Solberg moved to the top of the WRC2 class points standings alone. He had kicked off his WRC2 season with a victory at his home event in Sweden in February.
“After Friday, the main goal was to get up to second and then see what happens in front.”
“I have to be happy with this result. Of course, I am a bit disappointed. I came here to win, but this rally is a big challenge, and to come away with points for second place and the championship lead is good.”
Solberg will not participate in the upcoming Croatia Rally in the WRC2 calendar. WRC2 drivers choose seven rallies during the season for points.
“We need to be strategic about the programme. I really want to win this title this season, it’s what everything is geared towards,” Solberg said.
