Solberg already had a brief spell with Hyundai’s WRC team at the age of 19 in the 2021 season, but the campaign was fragmented. Now the Swede is returning to the top level, but this time with Toyota’s WRC team. Solberg dominated the WRC2 category last season and also claimed a top-level victory at the Rally Estonia when making his debut in Toyota’s Rally1 car.
Solberg is particularly pleased to be competing in Toyota colours, in a team that has won the manufacturers’ world championship title five times in a row.
“My dream is to be at this level, and my dream is to be at Toyota. It’s the biggest, coolest brand in the world. And for me to be part of such an iconic brand in rallying it’s just the coolest thing I could have ever dreamed of. And to have Sebastien Ogier, (Elfyn) Evans, all the other guys in the team beside you, it’s incredible,” Solberg enthuses.
“Ogier is my hero and he is when I look up to very, very much in his work ethic and how passionate he is and you know, I’m very passionate guy too. So I love that and I look forward to it a lot.”
Ogier truly is one of Solberg’s idols. The Swedish star has said that he dreams of similar success in the World Rally Championship, but perhaps beating his idol straight away at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally is too much to ask. Ogier has already won his home event nine times and once again heads into this year’s rally in the French Alps as the clear favourite.
“He is my hero. If I’m gonna beat him straight away, I’m not so sure. But the goal is to beat him for sure. one day. But in Monte Carlo, straight away, let’s keep the expectations down a little bit. And then after, we can see how it goes,” Solberg reflects.
The iconic Monte Carlo Rally opens the WRC season from 21–25 January. A total of 17 special stages are scheduled, covering approximately 340 kilometres.
