Solberg secured a drive with Toyota for this season after Kalle Rovanperä decided to step away from rallying, at least for the time being. This year, Solberg will contest all rounds of the championship in Toyota’s Rally1 machinery.
The season-opening Rally Monte Carlo is scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time. On Wednesday, Solberg was able to carry out his own preparations as he tested the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car in France.
Solberg enjoyed excellent fortune during his test day. Earlier on, he was able to run on dry asphalt, but as evening fell, snow began to fall from the sky.
This was undoubtedly beneficial for Solberg, as it allowed him to test both the car and Hankook’s tyres in varying conditions. Rally Monte Carlo is known for the way conditions can change dramatically, even within a single special stage.
“It’s been an incredible day, first day in the car in proper Monte Carlo conditions. We had everything today: started with the dry, then ended with full snow. It was a crazy day with all the conditions,” Solberg said.
“Feeling is very good in the car. We have improved a lot of things and thanks to the team for working very hard. I think we are ready. Of course we are not going for the win in Monte Carlo, but we are there to have a good result,” Solberg added.
Watch videos from Solberg’s test below:
Toyota will field all five of its drivers at the Rally Monte Carlo. The most successful driver in the event’s history, Sébastien Ogier, along with Elfyn Evans and Solberg, will compete for manufacturers’ points for the Japanese marque.
Rally Monte Carlo will be contested on 22–25 January.
