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Oliver Solberg snubs Hyundai for Toyota: the shocking 2026 WRC twist revealed!

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 19, 2026
in Motorsports, WRC
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Oliver Solberg snubs Hyundai for Toyota: the shocking 2026 WRC twist revealed!

Hyundai’s Heartbreak: Oliver Solberg Chooses Toyota Over WRC Comeback

In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through the World Rally Championship (WRC) community, Oliver Solberg has turned down an enticing offer from Hyundai to remain with Toyota for the 2026 season. This decision marks a significant moment for the 24-year-old Swedish driver, who has impressed fans and critics alike with his exceptional talent and promising performances.

Hyundai’s pursuit of Solberg comes on the heels of Ott Tänak’s departure from the WRC, a move that left the team scrambling for a reliable replacement. In a bid to reclaim their competitive edge, the automaker reached out to Solberg, hoping to entice him back to the helm of the i20 N Rally1. However, the allure of Toyota proved too strong, as Solberg had already committed to the Japanese powerhouse, having achieved remarkable success in 2025 with a WRC2 title behind the wheel of a Printsport-run Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

The news that Solberg had chosen to stay with Toyota was confirmed just a day after he was officially announced as a driver for the 2026 season, a decision that has sparked discussions among rally enthusiasts. His one-off victory at Rally Estonia in a Rally1 machine demonstrated his potential, making him a hot commodity in the racing world. Despite the interest from Hyundai, Solberg’s loyalty to Toyota is unwavering.

Hyundai’s technical director, François-Xavier Demaison, elaborated on the team’s strategy for the upcoming season, emphasizing the need for experience over youth as they navigate the final year of the Rally1 regulations. “This young driver, they need time in the car, and time on all types of surfaces. You can’t just say, ‘Ah, yeah, you will drive on our permanent base, and you’ll be ready for everything’. That’s not true,” he stated. The team has decided to rely on seasoned drivers like Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi, and Hayden Paddon to share the third car alongside veterans Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux.

Demaison candidly admitted, “If we could have got Oliver, for sure, it would have been a different story,” acknowledging the missed opportunity to bring Solberg back into the fold. The decision was not made lightly; Hyundai had to weigh the benefits of bringing in a fresh talent against the urgency of needing drivers who can hit the ground running.

Solberg, reflecting on the discussions, said, “You can see what my answer was… The plan was Toyota, the future was Toyota and that was my dream, that was the goal. So that’s what I stuck to.” His excitement is palpable as he embraces his role with Toyota, stating, “I feel calm, I feel happy. I’m living a bit on cloud nine. It’s a dream come true still.”

As the 2026 WRC season approaches, the stakes have never been higher for both Hyundai and Solberg. Hyundai’s gamble on experience may pay off, but they will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Solberg’s progress with Toyota. The rally world will watch with bated breath as these two powerhouses clash on the tracks, each determined to make their mark.

Tags: 2025-fia-world-rally-championship2025-toyota-usa-track-and-field-championships2025-wrc-seasonDani Sordohyundai-bossoliver-solbergsott-tanak-2
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