Oliver Solberg has the speed to fight for podiums at every round of the World Rally Championship next year, according to Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala.
Solberg has realised a life-long dream of becoming a full-time factory WRC driver after securing the vacant seat at Toyota left by Super Formula-bound Kalle Rovanpera.
The 24-year-old joins Toyota after a stellar 2025 season, where the son of 2003 world rally champion Petter Solberg claimed the WRC2 title and a stunning maiden outright WRC win in a one-off outing for Toyota at Rally Estonia.
Toyota has been particularly impressed by not only Solberg’s speed but his maturity, patience and ability to cope under pressure.
“Our expectations are that we believe he is of the speed to be fighting for podiums at pretty much every event,” Latvala told Motorsport.
“We will see how it is. It will be maybe more pressure, but we believe he is capable to handle the pressure, and speed-wise, he is there, he is able to fight for podiums in every race.”
While Solberg joins Toyota having already piloted a GR Yaris to victory in Estonia, he says he will need to temper his expectations heading into 2026, and believes he still has much to learn ahead of his graduation to Rally1.
Oliver Solberg, Elliott Edmondson, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Toyota Racing
“Of course, the expectations level out a little bit [after winning in Estonia]. We have had an extremely strong year with nine wins out of 13 in WRC and WRC2, so for sure there are a few rallies next year where I hope to do great results and do my best, but there is still a lot to learn still,” Solberg told Motorsport.
“It is the first time doing WRC full-time and for sure there is a lot to learn. It will be mixed expectation during the year.
“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.»
Solberg says he will head into 2026 with less pressure, having already proven he has skills to win in rallying’s top tier. Toyota is also yet to determine which of its drivers will be eligible to score manufacturers points next year.
«I have already ticked the box of the first win, so that pressure is off, so I know I can do it if we prepare well. The goal is to do well, be consistent – and a learning year in a way,” he added.
“There is still pressure on yourself because you want to do well, but the pressure is much lower and I can go in with a bit of confidence. If I prepare well and do well, hopefully I can do some good things.”
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