Oliver Solberg’s New Challenges with Toyota
Toyota’s latest signing, Oliver Solberg, is set to take on a significant new challenge this week as he drives a GR Yaris Rally1 car on asphalt for the first time. This marks a crucial step in his preparations for the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC). Just a week after concluding a successful 2025 campaign, which included a WRC2 title and a maiden outright WRC victory at Rally Estonia, Solberg and his co-driver Elliott Edmondson are back in action at the Rallye National Hivernal du Devoluy in France. This rally, featuring 137.47 competitive kilometers spread across 10 special stages, begins on Saturday and will provide Solberg with valuable experience in handling the GR Yaris Rally1 on different surfaces. It’s an essential test run before the Monte Carlo season opener in January.
Preparing for the Future
For Solberg, this outing is more than just a race; it’s a learning opportunity. The rally will take place in mixed conditions, allowing Solberg to test various aspects of the car, including tire performance. “I think it is really good. It will be a bit of a shakedown, but at least I think it will be good preparation,” Solberg told Autosport. “Otherwise, you have only a one-day test [before Monte Carlo] and it is not so much you can learn if the conditions are different in the rally and things like that.” By participating in this rally, Solberg can gather valuable data and insights that will be crucial for his performance in the upcoming WRC season. The GR Yaris Rally1, which he will run under the number #99, is the same car he drove to victory at Rally Estonia, a testament to his growing confidence and skill.
Learning the Ropes on Asphalt
Solberg’s transition to full-time WRC competition brings with it a steep learning curve, particularly on asphalt. His last experience driving a Rally1 car on tarmac was in 2022, when he finished fourth at the Ypres Rally Belgium with a Hyundai i20 N Rally1. “It is the first time doing WRC full-time and for sure there is a lot to learn,” Solberg admitted at the launch of Toyota’s driver line-up in Japan last month. Driving on asphalt is a key area he needs to focus on, as he aims to bridge the gap with more seasoned competitors. “There will be mixed expectations during the year,” he said. “I think there is still a lot of experience on tarmac, which I can learn through different rallies which the other guys have done, where I’m still behind a little bit. Of course, there are many rallies which I can do well, and that is the goal.”
Joining Forces with Hyundai
Solberg isn’t the only Rally1 car in the field this weekend. Joining him is Adrien Fourmaux, who will be driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car. Fourmaux, a rising star in the Hyundai team, concluded his first season with a strong second-place finish at Rally Saudi Arabia behind team-mate Thierry Neuville. This rally provides an opportunity for both Solberg and Fourmaux to gain crucial experience and prepare for the new WRC season. The competitive atmosphere will be intense, offering a realistic simulation of the challenges they will face in the upcoming championship. The presence of a Hyundai car adds an element of rivalry, pushing both drivers to perform at their best.
Former Hyundai Star in the Mix
Adding to the mix is former Hyundai WRC factory driver and two-time European rally champion, Hayden Paddon. Paddon will be driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car, adding another layer of competition and experience to the field. Paddon’s presence is significant, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his time in the WRC. His participation will not only make the rally more competitive but also provide valuable insights for the younger drivers like Solberg and Fourmaux. This rally is a melting pot of talent and experience, setting the stage for a thrilling pre-season competition.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 WRC
As Solberg and his fellow competitors gear up for the 2026 WRC season, the Rallye National Hivernal du Devoluy serves as a crucial stepping stone. For Solberg, this rally is a chance to build on his recent successes and address the areas where he still needs improvement, particularly on asphalt. The mixed conditions and competitive field will test his skills and resilience, preparing him for the challenges ahead. With Toyota’s support and a strong team around him, Solberg is well poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming WRC season. The journey to the top of the rally world continues, and this weekend marks an important milestone in Solberg’s career.
