SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 28, 2025 – Rally fans witnessed history in the making this weekend as 23-year-old Oliver Solberg clinched a sensational win at Rally Estonia — not only marking his first-ever World Rally Championship (WRC) victory, but also securing the 100th win for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in WRC history.
For Solberg, son of 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg, this wasn’t just a race — it was a career-defining moment, a coming-of-age tale on fast gravel roads that played out like a motorsport fairytale.
A Rally Debut That Defied the Odds
With only 12 previous WRC starts in the Rally1 class and nearly three years away from the top category, Solberg returned to the big stage with one goal: to prove himself. Handpicked by Toyota after strong performances in WRC2, he had just two days of testing in Finland to get comfortable in the GR YARIS Rally1. But that was all he needed.
From his first stage win on Friday morning to nine total stage wins and a flawless Sunday under pressure — even with rain soaking the Estonian roads — Solberg showed not just speed, but maturity beyond his years. Co-driver Elliott Edmondson was right there with him every step of the way.
Editorial Insight: Why Solberg’s Win Matters
In a sport where experience often trumps youthful energy, Solberg’s victory offers a refreshing counter-narrative — that raw talent, grit, and mentorship can still upset the odds. It’s a reminder that motorsport is as much about stories as it is about seconds.
More than just a new name on the trophy, his win:
- Adds a new chapter to Toyota’s rally legacy
- Inspires a new generation of young drivers
- Proves that WRC still holds surprises, even in a data-driven era
Family, Legends, and Full-Circle Moments
In a poetic twist, rally legend Juha Kankkunen — now Toyota Deputy Team Principal — was the same man Solberg once asked for a fan photo back in 2022. This weekend, Kankkunen was the mentor behind the magic. As TGR-WRT Chairman Akio Toyoda warmly recalled:
“I took today’s victory by Oliver as a ‘thank you’ for three years ago… If he wins next time while I’m on site, I will rush over to him, so I hope he will take a photo with me!”
That kind of emotional storytelling — generational handoffs and humble beginnings — is what makes rallying deeply human.
Toyota’s Weekend at a Glance
While Solberg dominated, his teammates played important roles in the broader championship picture:
- Kalle Rovanperä won the Power Stage, finishing 4th overall and gaining crucial points.
- Elfyn Evans, despite a tough starting position, climbed to 6th and now sits just one point off the championship lead.
- Sami Pajari rebounded from early mechanical issues to finish 7th — valuable seat time for a rising star.
- Takamoto Katsuta was forced to retire before the Power Stage, a tough end to a promising start.
Toyota’s performance across the board keeps them 52 points clear in the manufacturer standings.
Young Challenger vs. Veteran Star
Solberg’s win becomes even more impressive when placed next to the seasoned drivers he beat. Estonia’s home hero Ott Tänak, a former WRC champion with over 20 wins, had every advantage of experience and fan support. Yet it was Solberg — fresh off WRC2, in his first Rally1 appearance since 2022 — who stole the spotlight. While Tänak drove with his usual calculated precision, Solberg attacked with youthful boldness and pinpoint control, showing the world that fearlessness and fresh thinking still have a place at the top of the sport.
What’s Next: Rally Finland and the Speed Challenge
With just days to regroup, Toyota now sets its sights on Rally Finland (July 31–August 3), the fastest round on the WRC calendar. It’s also Toyota’s home rally — and expectations couldn’t be higher.
For Solberg, it’s a chance to prove that Estonia wasn’t a one-time fairytale. For fans, it’s a fresh chapter in a season filled with tight battles, unexpected heroes, and emotional victories.
Feeling the Rally Bug?
If you’ve ever dreamed of the open road, the smell of gravel dust, or cheering at the edge of a forest stage, now’s the time to tune in. Oliver Solberg just reminded the world that dreams do come true — sometimes at 120 km/h through the woods.
Learn more and follow the upcoming Rally Finland action at www.wrc.com