The 22-year-old has already had a taste of competing in the WRC’s top class. However, his stint was cut short when he was dismissed from Hyundai at the end of 2022 after driving nine rallies in the team’s Rally1 car.
Since then, Solberg has been working to revive his career in the WRC2 category. And he has done so successfully, as he currently leads the WRC2 championship battle heading into the final rounds of the season.
Solberg has demonstrated his raw speed, recording the most stage wins among WRC2 drivers this year. Additionally, he has shown consistency, a trait highly valued by WRC teams.
It’s no wonder, then, that Solberg’s name has been linked to a Rally1 seat for next season.
“There’s a lot of rumours, but then they know more than me, apparently,” Solberg laughs, speaking to RallyJournal.com.
“To be honest, I don’t know anything about next year. I have a lot of dreams. I have a lot of goals, but I have nothing planned,” the Skoda driver continues.
Solberg has already had a glimpse of what it’s like to compete at the pinnacle of the sport, and he’s eager to return.
“I’m only 22, and the dream is to be back in the Rally1, obviously. I don’t think about it so much, to be honest. I do my best now where I am now and I can only focus on that. And then it has to come, I guess, along the way,” Solberg reflects.
For instance, Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has acknowledged that the team is keeping an eye on Solberg’s performances. The same can be said for other teams.
The third-generation rally star is keeping his options open with the WRC teams.
“Of course, you try to keep in contact with everybody, to keep the door open and at least have a friendly conversation with everyone. But that doesn’t mean there is anything planned,” Solberg emphasises.
