Oliver Solberg chooses Toyota option in WRC2

If he had wanted to make life easier for himself, Oliver Solberg would have left in 2025 with what he already knew. Still accompanied by Elliott Edmondson, his co-driver since 2021, the Swede could extend his association with Skoda Motorsport, which began in 2023 and has been strengthened this year. Having become the spearhead of the Czech manufacturer through the Toksport team, he was responsible for carrying out the tests for the Fabia RS. Everything could have continued on the same track, but the 23-year-old chose to take a different path.

To tackle the WRC2 championship once again, Oliver Solberg will have a Toyota Yaris Rally2 from the Finnish structure Printsport. It is a very professional and efficient team., he explained. I already know a lot of the team and it will be easy to integrate. Then, even if it is incredible to realize that the first outing of the Toyota GR Yaris was only 11 months ago, it has already shown its potential. I will know more about the feeling with the car when I drive it for the first time, but I think the development work done by Toyota Gazoo Racing has already been remarkable. I know it is a fast car. I had to push very hard to stay ahead of Jari-Matti Latvala, when he was at the wheel in Finland this year! »

My new chapter in life 🤝 joining the Toyota family

Very proud and excited to be starting a new chapter in life joining the Toyota family. Its been a big dream for me, now I'm going to drive a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in the WRC2 championship for 2025 with Printsport.

Os pic.twitter.com/osr7oySnfJ

— Oliver Solberg 🍩 (@OliverSolberg01) December 10, 2024

While his name had been circulating around M-Sport to take over fromAdrien fourmaux, Oliver had surprised by revealing that he would prefer to stay at the level he was at rather than move up to the next level. The lack of guarantees regarding testing and developments did not encourage him to go further. This is exactly what he will have with Printsport where he will practically have the role of No. 1 driver for Toyota in Rally2. The team has a good testing program in 2025, he confirms. I am also certain that the TGR will bring new developments. »

Winners of three rallies in 2024, Solberg and Edmondson are also the record holders for the fastest times, but that was not enough to be champions. Unsurprisingly, that will be their goal next year. The goal for 2025 is definitely to fight for the title, he says. Missing out by three points hurt us. I am very proud of what we have achieved this year with Elliott. However, I am only thinking about the future. Leaving Skoda was not an easy decision. I thank everyone at Skoda Motorsport and in the Toksport team for the last two years. »

While the change of manufacturer may come as a surprise, this choice is rather clever. Within Toyota Gazoo Racing, there may be a need for new blood fairly quickly and isn't making a name for yourself at the wheel of a Yaris Rally2 the best way to secure a place at the highest level in the years to come? If nothing is laid out in this way, this is the bet that Oliver Solberg seems to have made. His arrival in this squad will reshuffle the cards in WRC2, because Skoda will have to find a replacement for him. From Fergus Greensmith to Nikolay Gryazin via Robert Virves and even why not Andreas Mikkelsen, there are many who could claim this position. With Monte-Carlo in just over a month (January 23-26), things should fall into place fairly quickly. This will also be the case for Solberg who has not yet revealed the rounds selected for 2025 where he will still wear the colors of Monster Energy which should result in a nice livery.

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