Oliver Solberg returns to Rally1 with Toyota in Estonia

Oliver Solberg will drive a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 at the Rally Estonia from July 17 to 20. The 23-year-old Swede, current leader of WRC2, returns to the top category of the World Rally Championship after a 20-month absence.

The opportunity with Toyota

Toyota GAZOO Racing confirmed that Solberg will take the place of Sébastien Ogier, who decided not to participate in Estonia and will only return in Finland during August. The young driver will join the regulars Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari in the Japanese team.

"Elliott and I will return to a Rally1 car with Toyota GAZOO Racing. I want to thank the team for their trust in putting me back in the rally car—it's been a moment and a dream come true," Solberg expressed on his social media.

Photo By Red Bull Content Pool

A long-awaited return

The last time Solberg competed in a Rally1 was in New Zealand in October 2022, when he finished his partial season with Hyundai. That year, the son of 2003 world champion Petter Solberg competed in eight events sharing the third i20 N Rally1 with Dani Sordo.

His best performance in the top category came in Ypres, Belgium, where he finished fourth. He also achieved a fifth place in New Zealand, sixth in Sweden, and tenth in Kenya. Despite some retirements in rallies like Monte Carlo and Portugal, he scored 33 points in total during that campaign with the Korean team. This will be his first competitive experience with a Toyota Rally1.

Brilliant 2024 season in WRC2

Solberg arrives at this opportunity while dominating the WRC2 championship. The Swede won in Sweden, Portugal, and Greece, where last week he finished sixth overall while competing against Rally1 cars. His consistent performance convinced Toyota to give him this unique chance in Estonia, also marking his competitive debut with the Japanese brand in the top category.

"After a super strong season so far, I think we're more than ready and confident. We've built a great relationship with the team, and now I just want to start the rally and give my best," commented the driver.

Specific preparation for Estonia

Solberg and Edmondson will test the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 for the first time next week. The driver acknowledged the differences between his current Rally2 car and the top-category car.

"The test will be really important to learn how the car works. Although both are GR Yaris, the Rally1 is really different from the car I'm driving now. One of the big things will be the aerodynamics: the car looks very well balanced with the aero, but this will take some time to adapt to," he explained.

The main goal for Estonia will be to gain experience with the Rally1. "The target for me in the test is to feel comfortable with the car and have the widest operating window possible. The goal for the rally is to reach the finish with a smile on my face. It would be good to set some good times, but the priority here is experience and seat time in the Rally1," concluded Solberg.

Familiarity with Estonian terrain

Estonia won't be unfamiliar territory for the Swede. He has already won there in WRC2 before and knows well the characteristics of its fast gravel roads. In 2022, when he competed with the Hyundai Rally1, he finished thirteenth in this same event.

Toyota is betting on Solberg's young talent in an event that traditionally favors drivers with experience in high-speed conditions. The Japanese team's decision gives the Swede the opportunity to demonstrate his competitive maturity nearly two years after his last appearance in the top category.