Solberg secures first WRC win in Estonia
TARTU: Sweden's Oliver Solberg followed in his world champion father's footsteps as he claimed his first WRC victory in the Rally of Estonia on Sunday. The 23-year-old is the son of 2003 WRC champion Petter Solberg and was making his first appearance in the elite class since 2022.
Solberg made the most of the opportunity handed to him by Toyota, who gave him the chance to drive one of their cars for this rally in the absence of eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier.
The Swede charged into the lead on Friday and never relinquished it on the high-speed gravel roads. He finished 25.2 seconds ahead of home favorite and 2019 world champion Ott Tanak. Reigning champion Thierry Neuville of Belgium came in third place.
'After everything, so many years trying and trying and trying and dreaming, and me and (co-driver) Elliott (Edmondson) finally made it,' said Solberg. '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.'
Tanak replaced Elfyn Evans at the top of the WRC standings, moving a point clear of the Welsh driver who ended the weekend in sixth place. – AFP
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