Solberg, 22, competed in the WRC’s premier class in 2022. At the end of the year, Hyundai showed the young driver the door, forcing the third-generation rally driver to seek speed in the WRC2.
Last season, Solberg showed flashes of top speed in the WRC2 class, but he didn’t always succeed in the selected events. He finished the season in sixth place in the WRC2 class, but on the flip side, he was the fastest Rally2 driver in three WRC rounds.
This year, Solberg has full backing from Skoda. He got off to a perfect start in his WRC2 campaign, clinching a clear class victory in the Swedish round in February.
However, things could have gone differently.
Solberg received an offer from M-Sport Ford to join the WRC’s premier class. He chose not to accept it.
“The decision wasn’t easy, no, that’s for sure. It was 50/50. It could have gone either way,” Solberg told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK in an interview.
Solberg admitted that his previous experiences in the WRC’s top class and with Hyundai influenced his decision. He believes he has matured and learned from the events of the past couple of seasons.
Solberg’s decision might also have been influenced by the fact that he would likely have had to pay for his seat at M-Sport. Adrien Fourmaux and Gregoire Munster are driving for the British team this year.
Only Hyundai and Toyota have drivers this year who get paid for their work.
Professional help sought
Solberg’s first stint in the WRC’s top class tested his mental strength. Eventually, he sought professional help.
“I guess no one in the family has ever seen me like this. I’ve always been like, ‘Gosh, psychologists, that’s the silliest thing.’ But I actually went to a psychologist once, for 30 minutes,” Solberg said.
“I thought, ‘damn, I at least have to try.’ I couldn’t figure it out on my own. So I thought, I at least need to go in there and ask the questions I’m wondering about.”
Solberg will compete next in the iconic Safari Rally in Kenya at the end of March.
