Toyota, which competes in the World Rally Championship, will lose its crown jewel after this season. Earlier this month, Kalle Rovanperä announced that he will end his rally career at the conclusion of the current campaign and move to Japan’s Super Formula series next year.
At 24, Solberg is one year younger than Rovanperä, and he possesses similar potential to the Finnish star he could replace. Solberg made a huge impression at Rally Estonia in July, where he made his debut in Toyota’s Rally1 car and immediately took victory.
In recent years, Solberg has been rebuilding his career in the WRC2 category. This season, he has shown clear maturity as a driver, and it has reflected in his results: alongside his Rally Estonia victory, he also celebrated the WRC2 title after Rally Chile.
Solberg would be a more than logical choice to fill the gap left by Rovanperä. RallyJournal.com asked Solberg what he thinks about the possible opportunity ahead.
“Let’s see what happens. I hope to get some opportunity, wherever it is, for next year, to have a full seat somewhere. And that’s the dream,” Solberg said.
How confident are you about staying under Toyota’s wing next season?
“I hope so, yeah, I hope so.”
Are negotiations already under way?
“Of course there is. I have negotiations with everybody – you try to keep in contact and try to have all the doors open and see what is possible,” Solberg explained.
Solberg said he respects Rovanperä’s decision to move into circuit racing. Rovanperä has set himself an ambitious goal, aiming to reach Formula One through Japan’s Super Formula and the Formula 2 championship.
“He’s only 25. So if you can do that, why not go for it? He can come back later to rally. But in Formula One, in ten years, he can’t try it,” Solberg said.
“I will never do something like that. I like rally, it’s fun and you have a lot of new things all the time. I’ve been trying some racing sometimes. I just hate that it’s the same thing over and over again.”
The next round of the World Rally Championship will take place in Japan next week. Toyota is expected to announce its 2026 driver line-up after the event.
