Who can beat Oliver Solberg in WRC2 in Sweden?

For the 2^e WRC2 2025 meeting (February 13-16), the list of starters is well stocked with 20 cars announced. The number of Toyota increases (7), but the Skoda Fabia RS remains the favourite with 11 examples. There will, however, be only one Fiesta and one Citroën C3. As for Oliver Solberg, it is obvious, but his first rival… is himself. Winner of the category for the last two years, he is the overwhelming favourite, but he will have to discover the Toyota Yaris Rally2 with the new Hankook tyres. Knowing the boy's meticulous nature, it would not be surprising if it takes him a little time. Will his opponents be able to take advantage of this? The other obvious fact that appears when reading the WRC2 numbers is that the one who will bring down Solberg will be a Nordic.

As has been the case for several years, WRC2 in Sweden seems destined for a local or a close neighbour. Oliver's compatriots should not be the fiercest opponents. Pontus Tidemand (34 years old) has rather his career in the world championship behind him and Isak Reiersen (21 years old) must still progress if he wants to compete with his elder. A trio of Finns appears more dangerous with Roope Korhonen (26 years old), Mikko Heikkilä (33 years old) and Lauri Joona (28 years old). All have already shown themselves at this level and a success in Sweden would embellish their record.

They must hurry, because the future is clearly on the way with the new Finnish pearl, Tuukka Kauppinen. At 18, the recent winner of the Arctic has an impressive number of rallies under his belt and it will be interesting to see him rub shoulders with very experienced competitors. In addition to these Nordic crews in which the Norwegians are strangely absent, we must add the Baltic neighbors. Fast, but whimsical Georg Linnamäe (26 years old) will he manage to channel his passion this year? As for Jürgenson, the prize won in JWRC allows him to compete in WRC2 this season, but he will have to deal with a Fiesta at the end of its life. Finally, among the exogenous competitors in the North, Fabrizio Zaldivar will play under the colours of the Toksport team which will make its first appearance this year while the Japanese hopefuls Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto will try to be more convincing than in Monte-Carlo.

After reconnaissance carried out at the start of the week, the crews will experience 3 days of racing with 18 SS and 300 km timed.