Oliver Solberg Shatters Expectations with Historic Monte Carlo Rally Triumph
In a dazzling display of talent and tenacity, Oliver Solberg has stamped his name in the annals of World Rally Championship history with a breathtaking victory at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. The 24-year-old sensation, newly signed by Toyota, has not only conquered one of the most treacherous season openers in recent memory but has also become the youngest winner of this legendary event in the WRC era.
Driving through extreme snow and icy conditions that would intimidate even the most seasoned veterans, Solberg outpaced his more experienced Toyota teammates, including Elfyn Evans, who trailed by a staggering 51.8 seconds, and the legendary nine-time world champion, Sébastien Ogier, who finished a distant 1 minute and 10.4 seconds behind. Solberg’s phenomenal performance has left fans and competitors alike in awe.
“I don’t understand it at the moment. It’s another emotional day,” Solberg stated, visibly moved after claiming his second career WRC victory following his triumph in Estonia last year. “The most difficult rally I’ve done in my life. It’s my first rally on tarmac for me in the car and here we are winning the thing. I just want to say a big thank you to Toyota for the trust and the belief. The teamwork has been exceptional.”
Solberg and his co-driver, Elliott Edmondson, stormed into the lead on a dramatic Thursday night, showcasing their prowess on the treacherous terrain. They dominated stage two, leaving Evans in their dust with an astonishing 31.1-second victory in that segment alone. This remarkable performance propelled them to a commanding 44.2-second lead heading into Friday after the third stage was red-flagged for safety issues.
Despite facing a challenging moment during stage 12, when Solberg’s GR Yaris slid off the road due to icy conditions, he demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, spinning the car around and rejoining the stage—ultimately winning the segment by 1.9 seconds over Evans. It was a heart-stopping reminder of the high stakes in rally racing, yet Solberg continued to display the kind of speed and precision that left his rivals struggling to keep up.
As the rally unfolded, the unforgiving snow and ice presented relentless challenges, with Solberg occasionally losing valuable seconds but ultimately maintaining his lead to clinch a historic win. While Elfyn Evans managed to claim victory in the Power Stage by 6.5 seconds, it was Solberg’s overall performance that stole the spotlight, solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of motorsport.
Toyota’s dominance was evident, as they claimed every stage until Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai finally broke the streak, winning a super special stage on a section of the famous Monaco GP circuit. However, the Hyundai team struggled throughout the rally, grappling with issues related to the Hankook winter tires, which many drivers found difficult to trust in the slushy conditions.
Despite a series of setbacks, including a handbrake failure and a fuel pump issue, Fourmaux managed to impress, finishing fourth overall. Teammate Thierry Neuville faced his own challenges, sliding off into a ditch and losing precious time, while Hayden Paddon, returning to the WRC top tier since 2018, finished in 10th position after a harrowing stage 12 that nearly derailed his rally.
In a turn of events that shocked fans and pundits alike, M-Sport-Ford’s streak of scoring manufacturer points in every event since Monte Carlo 2002 came to an abrupt end. Debutant Jon Armstrong showed promise by climbing as high as third before an unfortunate off-road incident, while Josh McErlean and Gregoire Munster faced mechanical failures that forced them to retire.
The Rally Monte Carlo has once again proven to be a hotbed of drama and excitement, and with Oliver Solberg’s sensational victory, the stage is set for an exhilarating WRC season ahead. As the dust settles on this legendary event, one thing is clear: Solberg has emerged not just as a competitor but as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rally racing.








