It was only Solberg’s second start at WRC level in Toyota’s Rally1 car, and the challenge was made even tougher by the fact that this year’s Rally Monte Carlo featured plenty of snowy and icy sections.
Despite that, Toyota’s latest signing delivered a stunning performance and went on to take victory by a clear margin. Evans finished second, almost a minute behind.
For many, Solberg’s performance came as a major surprise – but not for Evans.
“Surprised is a bit… It would not be fair on him to say I’m surprised, I think. But impressed? Yes,” Evans told RallyJournal.com.
“It was very impressive. He did an amazing job, and they deserve it. They drove very, very well from start to end. So, impressive,” the Welsh star underlined.
Solberg’s opening rally was strong enough for him to be tipped as one of this season’s championship favourites. Evans agrees with that assessment.
“I think that’s clear. I think already, from what he did in Estonia last year, the level of experience he has now, and what he did in WRC2 – I don’t think there’s any doubt about that in a way. So let’s wait and see,” Evans said, referring to Solberg’s sensational breakthrough victory in the WRC last summer.
Evans will next try to challenge his new team-mate next week, when World Rally Championship points are on offer in Solberg’s home event in Sweden.
