SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 28, 2025 – Rally Estonia roared back onto the FIA World Rally Championship calendar this month, delivering heart-pounding speed, flying gravel, and a bold display of youth and talent from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s World Rally Team. From forest-blurred straights to tight technical sections, this Baltic favorite proved to be a turning point in the season — especially for fans craving excitement and a glimpse into rallying’s next generation.
A Shift in Terrain, A Shift in Momentum
After tackling some of the season’s roughest stages in Portugal, Sardinia, and Greece, the team found welcome rhythm on Estonia’s faster, flowing roads. Known for its jump-filled gravel tracks and narrow tree-lined challenges, the Tartu-based event marked the halfway point of the 14-round season — with Toyota holding a commanding 65-point lead in the manufacturers' standings.
Elfyn Evans entered the weekend under pressure, sweeping the gravel roads in recent rallies. “It’s important to have a good feeling in the car and our test last week was good for working through some ideas,” Evans noted. Despite tricky weather-dependent grip conditions, his confidence on Estonia’s rapid routes reflected his comfort on this style of terrain — especially with two Finnish wins already under his belt.
New Roads, Familiar Faces, Fresh Fire
While Estonia wasn’t on the calendar last year, the rally welcomed back Kalle Rovanperä, who won the last three editions. “It’s cool to be going back to Rally Estonia this year. It’s where I took my first win in the WRC… the roads suit my style well, so I’m excited,” said Rovanperä. His recent testing in Estonia helped fine-tune his setup for speed and control.
Fellow teammate Takamoto Katsuta shared similar anticipation. “The fast rallies coming up in Estonia and Finland are some of my favourites on the calendar,” he said, pointing out the challenge of adjusting to narrow, fast sections in the forests — especially with new tire specs in play.
Meanwhile, Sami Pajari, part of Toyota’s WRT2 squad, expressed excitement about transitioning to high-speed stages: “These next two rallies are very different to the ones we’ve just had… it can be more about driving fast than trying to avoid issues.”
A Debut to Watch: Oliver Solberg in GR YARIS Rally1
One of the weekend’s biggest stories? The much-anticipated Rally1 debut of 22-year-old Swedish talent Oliver Solberg. Son of 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg, Oliver stepped up from the Rally2 ranks — where he’d already snagged three wins this season — and into the GR YARIS Rally1.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and a dream come true for me to be able to do Rally Estonia in the GR YARIS Rally1,” Solberg said. His goal was simple but strategic: build confidence, gain top-tier experience, and enjoy every moment. And while the Estonian stages are notoriously fast and unforgiving, Solberg’s performance offered plenty of promise.
Fast Facts: What Makes Rally Estonia Unique
- Speed Meets Skill: One of the fastest rallies on the calendar, with flowing roads broken up by jump-filled sections and technical twists.
- Local Love: Hosted in Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, the event kicks off in the historic Town Hall Square and weaves through regional villages and forests.
- Surface Strategy: Soft and sandy in parts, Estonia’s gravel turns rutted on second passes — putting both tire choice and line precision to the test.
- Finnish Firepower: With multiple Finnish drivers dominating support categories, Estonia remains a proving ground for young Nordic talent.
Why This Rally Mattered
Beyond the points and podiums, Rally Estonia served as a showcase for Toyota’s long-term investment in nurturing next-gen talent. By giving Solberg a chance in the GR YARIS Rally1, the team emphasized its commitment to “providing a path for young talent to reach rallying’s top level,” as Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala explained.
For fans, it was a reminder of what makes rally so special: unpredictable terrain, breakneck speed, and the passing of torches from legends to rising stars — all in one dust-swirled weekend.
Learn more about Toyota Gazoo Racing’s rally journey at https://toyotagazooracing.com