Oliver Solberg Claims his First Ever WRC Win in Estonia

Motorsports: Like father, like son: Oliver Solberg claims emotional first WRC win in Estonia, echoing Petter Solberg’s legacy 20 years later.

Oliver Solberg has won his very first World Rally Championship event, producing a commanding performance at Rally Estonia to take the top step of the podium on his return to Rally1 machinery.

It marks a milestone victory for the 23-year-old, who had not driven at this level for three years and was only confirmed for the seat two weeks prior.

Competing in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 instead of his scheduled WRC2 program, Solberg stormed into the lead by winning the opening stage on Friday—his maiden WRC stage win—and never looked back.

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Displaying maturity beyond his years, he maintained composure throughout the weekend, gradually extending his lead with every loop.

“After everything, for so many years trying and trying and trying and dreaming, Elliott [Edmondson, co-driver] and I have finally made it! I don’t know how to describe it,” said an emotional Solberg at the finish.

“I just want to say a big thank you to Toyota, to the team and to the test team who have helped me get so comfortable. I’ve never had such a good time in my life, so thank you.”

Solberg’s winning margin of 25.2 seconds over hometown hero Ott Tänak was not only commanding, but also deeply symbolic.

His father, 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg, last won a WRC rally in 2005—and was there to embrace his son at the end of a dream weekend.

Tänak Grabs Points Lead as Neuville Seals Podium

Ott Tänak, despite racing on home soil, played down his prospects early in the week and ultimately settled for second place. His consistent drive, however, was enough to propel him to the top of the WRC drivers’ championship standings, now leading Elfyn Evans by a single point.

“It was a very tough one for us,” Tänak admitted.

“Honestly my mindset was probably not the best coming in here, I knew it was going to be tough. In the end we did the best we could but Oliver was clearly very much enjoying, really in his mood and confident what he’s doing. Really fair play to him. Now there’s no question he’s ready for Rally1, so great job for him.”

Thierry Neuville secured his first podium since Safari Rally Kenya in March, after a spirited battle with Tänak for second.

Although competitive throughout, a 10-second penalty for a jump start late on Saturday ultimately put paid to his hopes of finishing any higher than third.

Kalle Rovanperä, three-time Rally Estonia winner, failed to challenge for victory this time. The reigning world champion continued to struggle with Hankook tires and finished a disappointing fourth.

Evans and Fourmaux Shine in Mixed Conditions

Adrien Fourmaux showed flashes of brilliance after a difficult start. A raft of setup changes on Friday helped unlock performance from his M-Sport Ford, including a stage win, and he held on to a solid fifth place.

Elfyn Evans, dealing with road-cleaning duties early on, admitted to lacking pace in the later stages. He was, however, able to overtake teammate Takamoto Katsuta on the rain-soaked final leg to take sixth. Katsuta, plagued by technical issues across Saturday and Sunday, retired before the final powerstage.

Sami Pajari endured a frustrating rally in the final Toyota entry, hampered by a sticking handbrake that cost him time on Friday. He finished seventh. M-Sport’s Mārtiņš Sesks led the trio of Pumas in eighth, ahead of Josh McErlean and Grégoire Munster, who dealt with punctures and minor mistakes.

In WRC2, Robert Virves delivered a gutsy drive to his first class win despite a hospital trip for suspected food poisoning on Friday.

The Estonian bested countryman Georg Linnamäe this time around, reversing last year’s result, with Roope Korhonen rounding out the podium.