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VIDEO – Oliver Solberg shocks the world with stunning Monte Carlo Rally victory: what it means for WRC

James Taylor by James Taylor
January 26, 2026
in Motorsports, WRC
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
VIDEO – Oliver Solberg shocks the world with stunning Monte Carlo Rally victory: what it means for WRC

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 25,January. 2025 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202601250073 // Usage for editorial use only //

Monte Carlo Rally 2026: A Dramatic Showdown of Triumph and Turmoil

The 2026 Monte Carlo Rally has left fans and enthusiasts buzzing with excitement! This year’s spectacle was not just another event on the calendar; it was a battleground where the future of rally racing unfolded in stunning fashion. Oliver Solberg stole the spotlight, Lancia made a bold return, and Hyundai faced a storm of challenges. Buckle up as we delve into the exhilarating highs and lows of this iconic rally!

Oliver Solberg, the young prodigy, took the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 and drove straight into the annals of rally history with a commanding victory. While previous successes in Estonia hinted at his potential, this monumental win at Monte Carlo has catapulted him into serious championship conversations. Jari-Matti Latvala, his team principal, might have expected Solberg to shine in 2026, but few anticipated a win at Monte Carlo. This triumph signifies not just a win, but a thunderous statement: Solberg is a force to be reckoned with! With an undefeated streak in the WRC aboard the Toyota, he crushed legendary Sébastien Ogier by over two minutes. The race is on for the championship, and Solberg’s trajectory looks ominously promising.

Elfyn Evans, another formidable competitor, had a revelation during the rally. After analyzing his narrow misses in 2025 where he let Ogier slip away, he vowed not to repeat those mistakes. And he didn’t! For the first time in 14 months, Evans triumphed over Ogier in a head-to-head battle. However, despite his impressive second-place finish, Solberg’s performance was simply untouchable. Evans heads into Sweden just four points shy of his teammate, igniting an exhilarating rivalry.

Lancia’s much-anticipated comeback was shrouded in mystery. The team fielded a sensible duo in Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin, both seasoned competitors in WRC2. However, the brutal conditions of the Monte—ranging from icy tracks to unexpected fog—rendered it nearly impossible to gauge the true potential of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. Rossel’s dramatic exit on the first stage raised eyebrows, but his later triumph in Super Sunday highlighted his resilience, albeit under advantageous conditions. Fans will have to wait for the Croatian round to see how Lancia truly measures up against the dominant Toyotas and Škodas.

Jon Armstrong’s debut in a Rally1 car was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. With no prior experience at Monte Carlo, expectations were uncertain. Yet, he dazzled early on, showcasing his skills with a top-three stage time and briefly holding third overall. Unfortunately, the treacherous icy roads claimed his chance at a solid finish. Despite the disappointment of not securing a top-six spot, Armstrong emerged as a promising talent, contrasting sharply with teammate Josh McErlean, who succumbed to multiple crashes.

In a shocking turn of events, Hayden Paddon crossed the finish line almost 19 minutes behind the leader, raising eyebrows and questions. However, context is key. With only a single day of testing in the i20 N Rally1 and a clear directive from Hyundai’s sporting director not to push himself, Paddon’s performance was commendable. His return to Monte after a traumatic 2017 incident added layers of emotional significance to his participation. Completing the rally not only allowed him to confront his past but also sets the stage for a stronger comeback in Croatia.

Hyundai entered the 2026 season with ambitions of challenging Toyota’s dominance, yet the Monte Carlo Rally revealed a stark reality. Toyota secured an unprecedented 1-2-3 finish, reminiscent of Volkswagen’s reign in 2015, winning 13 of the 17 stages while Hyundai managed a mere two. Thierry Neuville’s struggles with the i20 N Rally1 ‘evo’ were evident, as he hesitated to push hard without the right feeling. The pressure is mounting for Hyundai to rise to the occasion in Sweden if they hope to avoid another championship walkover like 2025.

In a remarkable twist, Sébastien Ogier, the nine-time champion, found himself grappling with the worst top-class result at Monte Carlo. Despite finishing third, it was a shocking outcome for the rallying icon who is accustomed to dominating this event. Conditions played a significant role; Solberg’s exceptional grip on icy terrain paired with Ogier’s tire troubles created a gap that was virtually insurmountable. As the rally unfolded, it became clear that Solberg’s early lead set the tone, leaving Ogier battling against the odds for a podium finish.

The 2026 Monte Carlo Rally was a microcosm of the thrilling unpredictability that rally racing embodies. With new talents emerging and seasoned champions facing their demons, the stage is set for an electrifying season ahead. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the battle for the championship has only just begun!

Tags: 100-acre-wood-rally2025-toyota-usa-track-and-field-championships2025-wrc-championshipElfyn Evansoliver-solbergsSébastien Ogier
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