Expectations were massive after Solberg took the 2025 WRC2 title and grabbed a sensational maiden outright victory on his Toyota Gazoo Racing debut in Estonia. But what followed was an absolute roller-coaster of a 2026 season that came within a whisker of ending in the ultimate glory.
At the season finale in Sardegna, the 25-year-old came within two corners of matching Marcus Grönholm’s legendary feat of becoming world champion in his very first full season at the top level. The raw pace of the machine was never in doubt. Solberg dominated the timing screens by winning 65 stages, more than any other driver and more than twice as many as the eventual champion Elfyn Evans.
I didn’t give up to the end, so the belief is there and that’s the most important, especially now with all the experience you build through a year.
Unfortunately, a series of costly crashes in the first half of the campaign left him with a mountain of ground to make up, including a hefty 47-point deficit to Evans. But the turnaround in the second half of the year was a beauty to witness. Solberg backed up his blistering speed with ruthless consistency, scoring four podiums in the final five rounds, which included stunning victories in Chile and Sardegna.
Reflecting on what he will take from the year into 2027, Solberg boiled it down to patience. "I think it shows through the year. When everything is not perfect, then I should take what you can get and not just throw it away by trying to just win it. So I definitely learned that after Greece," he explained, noting how the second half yielded zero mistakes, two second places, and two wins out of five rallies.
While the disappointment of Sardegna still stings slightly, pride ultimately wins out. "I’m okay now. I’m great, to be honest. For sure, it still hurts a little bit in my heart, but I think when you take a step back and look at it all and experience it all afterwards, you’re just very proud of the whole season," Solberg said. He pointed out that the title wasn't lost in those final 150 metres, but rather earlier in the year.
The hunger remains entirely intact. Solberg will get another shot at his ultimate dream of becoming world champion in 2027, when he lines up in the all-new Toyota GR Celica Rally1 under the Toyota Racing banner.
"The hunger is always there. The passion is always there," he added. "I didn’t give up to the end, so the belief is there and that’s the most important, especially now with all the experience you build through a year."
