A triumphant return: Oliver Solberg’s victory in Estonia causes excitement throughout the World Rally Championship service park
Oliver Solberg’s thrilling triumph at Rally Estonia has caused a sensation in the rally world. The 23-year-old Swede secured his first victory in the top class of the World Rally Championship (WRC) on his debut in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. It was his first outing in the top flight since 2022 and only his 13th start in a Rally1 car.
The young Norwegian’s performance was greeted with enthusiasm throughout the service park. Hyundai driver Ott Tänak took defeat against Solberg at his home rally in his stride and paid full respect to his rival.
“He definitely proved that he is ready for Rally1. It was extremely challenging for us full-time drivers, and he got straight into the car, had fun and was fast,” said Tänak. “We all grew up on these roads, but how well he found his feet straight away is very impressive.”
Toyota teammate Sebastien Ogier was also enthusiastic. The eight-time world champion had given Solberg some tips before the rally: “What a performance, Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson. Very impressive. Well deserved – enjoy this special moment,” Ogier wrote on social media.
Praise from the world’s elite
Particularly remarkable: Solberg and his British co-driver Elliott Edmondson had only had two days of testing in the new car after being surprisingly nominated by Toyota just two weeks before the start of the rally.
Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), who finished third behind Tänak, was also full of praise: “It was incredible. You really don’t see that very often in the WRC. He was confident from the very first shakedown. It’s great to see, good for him and good for the WRC. It certainly won’t be his last start in a Rally1 car.”
A family that knows how to win WRC pic.twitter.com/Q6OaUl4JhU
— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) July 21, 2025
Toyota driver Kalle Rovanperä, who had previously won Rally Estonia three times in a row, joined the chorus of congratulations: “He had a really impressive pace. Everything came together, he honestly deserved the win.“
M-Sport team boss: ”A great example of hard work“
M-Sport team boss Richard Millener was also impressed by the Swede’s comeback: ”Many said he had a good starting position on the first day. But then to extend his lead on the second day and maintain it on the third day is extraordinary. He deserved it.“
Millener emphasized that Solberg’s story shows how valuable the WRC2 route is: ”Toyota has done an excellent job preparing him. And Oliver is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”
After leaving Hyundai at the end of 2022, Solberg fought his way back through the WRC2 category. And that’s where he’ll be heading back to for now. At Rally Finland (July 31 to August 3), he won’t be fighting for overall victory, but will instead try to extend his lead in the “second division.”
However, everyone in the service park agrees that after his emotional comeback in Estonia, this will only be a temporary step. The chances of Solberg returning to full-time Rally1 action in 2026 are looking very good.
