Oliver Solberg Shatters Expectations with Monte Carlo Rally Triumph, Seizing Early Championship Lead
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Oliver Solberg has stormed to victory at the Monte Carlo Rally, marking not only his return to the forefront of rally racing but also establishing his dominance in the early championship standings. This is no mere fluke; it’s a statement that reverberates through the motorsport world as Solberg, racing for Toyota, clinches his second career win and his first as a full-time Rally1 driver.
After an impressive debut last year at Rally Estonia, few predicted Solberg would replicate that success so soon. Yet, from the moment he took the lead on SS2 with a staggering 31-second stage win, it was clear that the young champion had come to play. Despite encountering challenges—including a harrowing off-road excursion into a field and a minor spin—Solberg remained composed amidst the treacherous winter landscape, ultimately sealing his victory with a commanding 51.8-second margin over his Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans.
“This is unreal,” Solberg exclaimed, visibly overwhelmed with emotion as he celebrated with his father, Petter, and fiancée, Chloe. “It was the most difficult rally I’ve done in my life. This is my first rally on Tarmac and my first at full level, and here we are, winning the whole thing. It’s been so demanding, so stressful. A huge thank you to Toyota for believing in me.”
In an extraordinary feat, Solberg has now maintained an unbeaten record, winning every rally he has entered in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. This remarkable achievement sets the stage for what could be a sensational season ahead.
The podium was rounded out by reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier, who secured third place, marking his weakest performance at Monte Carlo since 2012. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville fell significantly behind in fourth and fifth places, respectively. Fourmaux lost vital seconds due to fog, electrical issues, and spins, finishing a whopping 5 minutes and 59.3 seconds off the pace. Neuville, too, faced his share of troubles, including a three-minute delay stuck on Friday’s final stage and a tire change mishap that left him 10 minutes and 29.8 seconds adrift.
Adding to the drama, WRC2 champion Léo Rossel clinched a commendable sixth overall, triumphing over Škoda driver Eric Roberto Daprà and Hyundai pilot Arhut Pelamourgues. This victory was particularly sweet for Rossel, marking his first in WRC2, especially after witnessing brother Yohan’s misfortune with a broken wheel and Lancia teammate Nikolay Gryazin’s off-road excursion.
Not every competitor was as fortunate. Four Rally1 machines failed to finish, including Toyota’s Sami Pajari, who retired early after hitting a bridge and later getting stranded in a snowbank. Grégoire Munster’s Ford Puma Rally1 succumbed to mechanical issues, while Josh McErlean faced his own struggles, crashing into an Armco barrier on the penultimate stage after previously getting stuck in snow.
Amidst all the chaos, Jon Armstrong showcased significant talent during his Rally1 debut, even achieving a third-fastest time on SS2 before his own retirement derailed his promising performance—ultimately ending M-Sport’s streak of points-scoring finishes dating back to 2002.
As the dust settles on the Monte Carlo Rally, one thing is abundantly clear: Oliver Solberg is not just a contender; he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of rallying. With the championship title now within reach, motorsport fans will be watching closely to see how this thrilling season unfolds.








