Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson dominated the gravel event, taking class victory by 40.4 seconds over Nikolay Gryazin. It was Solberg’s final points-scoring rally of the season, but his lead in the standings is now unassailable.
The Swede has delivered a remarkable campaign in WRC2 at the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. From seven scoring rallies, he has claimed five victories.
The title was sealed in emotional fashion on Rally Chile’s Power Stage, where Solberg was first embraced by his father, 2003 world champion Petter Solberg.
“Unbelievable. I don’t know what to feel,” Solberg admitted.
“It’s just a very big relief. Last year we had a bit of bad luck – we should have won then. This year it’s been an incredible year with the team and Toyota taking me onboard with a fantastic car. I’m very happy,” he added.
Solberg also lit up the summer’s Rally Estonia, where he made his top-class debut in a Toyota Rally1 car. He delivered a sensational victory, sending a strong message about his potential.
The 23-year-old has campaigned this season in WRC2 with Finnish squad Printsport. His programme is expected to include all remaining rounds, though he will no longer score championship points.
What remains to be seen is when Solberg will next get behind the wheel of Toyota’s Rally1 car.
Last year, it was another Printsport driver – Finland’s Sami Pajari – who clinched the WRC2 title in a Toyota. Pajari has since stepped up to the top tier, contesting this season in Toyota’s Rally1 machinery.
