Oliver Solberg Takes Surprising Lead at Rally Estonia

According to Motorsport.com, Oliver Solberg has made a stunning start to his WRC Rally1 comeback at Rally Estonia — leading the event with a 12.8-second advantage over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak.

The 23-year-old driver had only two testing days with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 — yet managed to secure three fastest stage times in his debut with the Japanese team.

“Today was the best day of my life — to lead the rally, win stages and have this amazing feeling in the car,” said Solberg. “I was thinking ‘wow what is actually going on’, it has been incredible.”

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s technical director, Tom Fowler, acknowledged Solberg’s impressive performance. “We know Oliver is a fast guy and he had a great road position. However, leading outright with such a gap is more than anyone expected,” he explained.

For the second day comprising nine stages over 125.76 kilometers, Solberg plans to maintain his rhythm. “I will drive the same tomorrow. I don’t have the experience yet to step it up and that’s not why I’m here,” he added.