Solberg showed maturity and claimed the rally in dominant fashion. In the end, he secured victory by a margin of 51.8 seconds ahead of team-mate Elfyn Evans. Also left behind was third-placed Sébastien Ogier, Solberg’s great idol, who had been the number one favourite on his home roads.
Solberg did not bow to expectations, but made excellent use of his road position on Thursday and Friday, after which he was able to control the situation. In extremely challenging conditions, Solberg also had his own moments, but this time luck was on his side as well.
Solberg became the youngest winner in the history of the Monte Carlo Rally at the age of 24. The third-generation rally driver, competing under the Swedish flag, has contested two events in Toyota’s Rally1 car and his win percentage still stands at a perfect 100. He claimed his first victory at the Rally Estonia last summer.
The win also instantly elevated Solberg to one of the championship contenders, even though many may have doubted whether he would be able to challenge his more experienced colleagues already this year.
“This following year, I want to still build step by step and and do race by race and see what’s possible,” Solberg says.
“But at least now I know everything is possible. I’m a dreamer, I believe everything is possible.” Solberg says.
Next week the WRC season continues in Solberg’s home country of Sweden. In the fast snow rally, Solberg is one of the favourites by default, so expectations are naturally high. Solberg is nevertheless trying to keep his feet on the ground.
“It’s a very long season. It’s a long way to go. But I think if you manage to win this rally and Estonia, I believe everything is possible. But there is still a lot to learn, a lot to learn with the car and with the team. I just still want to take step by step and see what’s possible.” Solberg stresses.
Be that as it may, Solberg leads the championship after the opening round. That also means first on the road for his home event. Solberg has at least managed to create quite a rally boom in Sweden in a short space of time. With Kalle Rovanperä stepping away, there was a gap of exactly Solberg’s size in the WRC’s star category.
The Rally Sweden will be held from 12 to 15 February in the Umeå region.
