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Oliver Solberg dominates treacherous Monte Carlo Rally, leaving rivals in the fog of despair

David Castro by David Castro
January 23, 2026
in Motorsports, WRC
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Oliver Solberg dominates treacherous Monte Carlo Rally, leaving rivals in the fog of despair

Oliver Solberg (SWE) Elliott Edmondson (GBR) Of team TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT are seen performing during the World Rally Championship Monte-Carlo in Gap, France on 22,January. 2025 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202601220314 // Usage for editorial use only //

Oliver Solberg Shocks the World with Stunning Monte Carlo Rally Lead Amidst Chaos and Fog

In a breathtaking debut as a full-time World Rally Championship Rally1 driver, Oliver Solberg has taken the Monte Carlo Rally by storm, demonstrating an extraordinary command over the treacherous wintry terrain. After navigating through perilous snow and ice-coated mountain roads, Solberg emerged from the first day with a jaw-dropping 44.2-second lead over his nearest competitor, Toyota’s Elfyn Evans.

The rally kicked off under daunting conditions, with teams facing slippery surfaces and low-hanging clouds. While many drivers opted for a safer approach, Solberg and his co-driver Elliott Edmondson, representing Toyota Gazoo Racing, showcased their daring by eschewing super soft tyres. Their strategy paid off—Solberg’s performance turned heads as he outran seasoned champions like Sébastien Ogier, who admitted he was playing it safe and struggling to find his footing on the slick surfaces.

Evans initially set the pace, clocking a staggering time that was 12 seconds faster than world champion Ogier. However, Solberg’s remarkable ability to adapt saw him post a time just 5.6 seconds off Evans, placing him firmly in the mix. Meanwhile, Jon Armstrong, another rookie in a Rally1 car, finished the day impressively in third place, proving that the competition is fiercer than ever.

As night fell, the first night stage—Esclangon/Seyne-les-Alpes—unveiled even more daunting challenges, with slush and icy patches transforming it into a treacherous gauntlet. Many drivers struggled, but not Solberg. He seized the moment, clocking in an astonishing 31.1 seconds faster than Evans, which propelled him from second to a commanding lead of 25.5 seconds. “I tell you, my god, that’s the craziest thing I have done in my life,” exclaimed Solberg, reflecting on the hair-raising experience. “In the beginning, my driving was really bad, but then on the snow, I thought I’d just go for it.”

The drama didn’t end there. Sebastien Ogier, visibly frustrated with the Hankook tyres, lamented, “I’ve never seen that in my whole life, such a s*** tyre, unbelievable.” His discontent was palpable as he dropped from third to fifth overall amidst the chaos.

In an unexpected twist, Armstrong, despite a few nail-biting moments including a minor collision with a bank, managed to secure the third-fastest time of the stage. Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville’s struggles continued as he expressed “zero confidence” in his Hyundai i20 N, finishing a staggering 43.5 seconds behind the leaders.

The conditions grew increasingly perilous during the final test, where thick fog descended upon Vaumeilh/Claret. Visibility plummeted, leading drivers to voice their concerns about safety. Evans, who encountered serious challenges in the fog, stated, “I couldn’t see the road, I could only see marshal jackets. If they think this is safe to run, I will eat my hat.” Neuville echoed the sentiment, calling the situation “very very dangerous.”

Despite the treacherous fog, Ogier managed to clinch the stage win, but Solberg’s earlier performance ensured he maintained a substantial lead. After a series of close calls and narrow escapes, officials eventually waved the red flag, bringing an end to the stage after seven Rally1 cars completed it.

Lancia’s return to the WRC was marred by misfortune, as Yohan Rossel’s rally ended prematurely due to suspension damage. Nikolay Gryazin also faced suspension issues but managed to keep his hopes alive for the remainder of the event. Meanwhile, Eric Camilli emerged as the leader in WRC2, showcasing the depth of talent in this high-octane sport.

As the rally unfolds, all eyes will be on Solberg, who has proven he is a force to be reckoned with. With unpredictable conditions and fierce competition, the Monte Carlo Rally promises to deliver more drama and excitement in the days to come.

Tags: 2025-fia-world-rally-championshipElfyn Evansmonte-carlo-rallyoliver-solbergsSébastien OgierToyota Gazoo Racing
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