Oliver Solberg: in Rally2… until when?

While Martins Sesks and Sami Pajari were able to sample the Rally1 category this summer, Oliver Solberg is chomping at the bit. The WRC2 leader knows that his room for maneuver is narrow, but he continues to believe in it.

Published on 20/08/2024 à 15:30

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Let's dive back to the foot of the famous Fafe bump, during the Rally of Portugal 2023. Oliver Solberg and his co-driver Elliott Edmondson started the final stage 24″6 behind Fergus Greensmith who led WRC2. Attacking as much as possible, the Swede closed the gap, but he was 1″2 short at the end of the last special to win. Realizing his failure, he burst into hot tears. Even Gus's hugs hadn't consoled him. It wasn't the first time that Oliver had appeared so vulnerable, so on edge. It may have been good for the live broadcast, but it raised questions about this boy's ability to manage his emotions and pressure. Since then, more than twelve months have passed and the situation seems to have changed.

Strong leader?

The WRC2 championship plays out like a game of hide and seek. With the regulations forcing its players to choose seven meetings in the calendar, it is entirely possible that rivals for the title only cross paths once or twice during the year. In this twelve-month marathon made up of seven sprints, it is almost forbidden to miss out otherwise you will put even more pressure on your shoulders. With the promotion of Andreas Mikkelsen towards Hyundai, Oliver Solberg moved up the ranks at Skoda this year. It is now he who