Oliver Solberg reflects on the enormity of his maiden Rally1 win in Estonia and what it means for his future
Oliver Solberg has said his stunning maiden World Rally Championship victory at Rally Estonia was the ‘best day of his life’ and proof that never giving up after setbacks yields results.
Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson shocked the rallying world by pulling off a commanding victory on debut for the Toyota factory team, after receiving a late call-up to its Rally1 squad for the fast gravel rally.
After only two test days to adjust to the GR Yaris Rally1, Solberg produced a remarkable drive to beat 2019 world champion Hyundai’s Ott Tanak by 25.2s, two-and-a-half years after his last Rally1 outing. The victory arrived on his 13th top flight start, one rally fewer than what two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera achieved.
Solberg led the rally from stage two onwards, where he claimed his maiden top flight WRC stage win. The son of 2003 world rally champion Petter Solberg racked up nine stage wins during the weekend, before bursting into tears when he met his father after crossing the finish line.
“I can’t put it into words,” Oliver Solberg told Motorsport.com. “I don’t think I have fully understood what I have done, I have cried and all the emotions have overflowed. I don’t know what to say, but it's the biggest day of my life.
“I was just trying to enjoy myself and take it stage by stage and when you look at the names behind you, they are big names and the fastest guys in the world. I have just been trying to do my own thing and not focus on it and it has been working quite well."
Edmondson, who is now the 16th British co-driver to win a WRC round, then told Motorsport.com: “It means, I guess, everything. We have tried so desperately to keep away from dreaming of winning.
"The result is absolutely fantastic but our priority this weekend was to learn the car, and enjoy ourselves and we have absolutely achieved that so the win is a complete bonus. The feeling is absolutely incredible. It is going to take some time for it to set in.”
Winners Oliver Solberg, Elliott Edmondson, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Solberg’s journey to this breakthrough win has not come without setbacks having endured a difficult first Rally1 experience with Hyundai. The 23-year-old, who is now the third youngest WRC winner in history behind Rovanpera and Jari-Matti Latvala, admitted that at times circumstances have tested his resolve.
“We all know that never giving up is the key and always believing in myself, although it has been difficult at times,” Solberg added.
“You should always trust your feelings and your gut and go with it and always push on. I have always believed that when everything is right, it is fully possible to do great things.
“I have always believed in myself and my speed, but when you have such a fantastic team behind you to really help you believe in yourself, it is great. I have felt so comfortable all weekend. It has been so enjoyable, I have been so calm in the car and it has been beautiful.”
What’s next for Solberg after Rally1 breakthrough?
The WRC2 points leader is due to return to the second tier at Rally Finland in two weeks’ time, where he will drive a Rally2 version of the GR Yaris.
Solberg is however hopeful that this victory will help him towards securing a full-time Rally1 seat in the future.
“I don’t know [what the future holds], that is for other people to answer. I’ll just do my best. 100% I hope [there is a drive next year],” he said.
Edmondson added: “We have hoped for [a Rally1 drive] the last few years already, but I think this is proof of what we are capable of and I certainly hope it can lead to some exciting things in the future.”
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WRC Rally Estonia: Oliver Solberg dominates in shock Rally1 victory
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Category: General Sports
