Sweden’s Oliver Solberg etched his name into the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) history books with a landmark victory at the Rally of Estonia on Sunday, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, 2003 WRC champion Petter Solberg.
The 23-year-old delivered a flawless performance on Estonia’s notoriously fast gravel stages to secure his maiden WRC win, marking a fairytale return to the elite level of rallying after a two-year absence. Solberg was behind the wheel of a factory Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car, stepping in for eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, who missed the round.
Seizing the opportunity with both hands, Solberg surged into the lead on Friday and maintained control throughout the weekend. He completed the rally 25.2 seconds ahead of local hero and 2019 world champion Ott Tänak. Defending champion Thierry Neuville of Belgium finished third.
“After everything, so many years trying and dreaming, me and Elliott [Edmondson] finally made it,” an emotional Solberg said at the finish. “I just want to say thank you to Toyota, to the test team who helped me get so comfortable, for all the help this weekend from this beautiful, beautiful team. I’ve never had such a good time in my life.”
Solberg’s breakthrough win was not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for rallying’s next generation. It also marked Toyota’s continued strength in the championship, even with a rotated lineup.
Meanwhile, Tänak’s second-place finish proved vital for the title race. He leapfrogged Elfyn Evans to take the championship lead by a single point after the Welshman could only manage sixth. The closely contested battle at the top promises an intense second half of the WRC season.
For Solberg, this victory could well mark the beginning of a new chapter one that sees the son of a rallying legend carving out a legacy of his own. With confidence high and momentum on his side, the young Swede is set to become a regular contender in the WRC’s elite ranks.
