Oliver Solberg moves clear of rivals after nine stages

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Oliver Solberg’s sensational run to lead Rally Monte Carlo by more than a minute has exceeded Toyota’s expectations for its new signing at the World Rally Championship season opener.

Solberg starred in Thursday night’s three stages to take an impressive 44.2s lead into Saturday where he continued his stunning drive. The Swede delivered another masterclass in challenging snowy, icy and rainy conditions to extend his advantage over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans by 1m08.4s, while 10-time Monte Carlo winner and reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier was 6.5s behind Evans.

Solberg took a huge chunk of time out of his Toyota team-mates in the day’s first stage move into 1m10.7s lead before a slow front left puncture in the next test reduced his advantage to 43.5s. The time lost to the tyre issue was recovered beefier the end of the morning loop.

Evolving rally conditions

Jon Armstrong, Shane Byrne, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Facing a mix of wet, muddy and snow-covered roads in the afternoon, Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson, continued to impress, setting top three pace in all three stages, winning stage seven.

“It has been really incredible. The goal was to stay consistent all day and try to stay out of problems,” said Solberg.

“Of course, we got a slow puncture but the rest has been really good. This afternoon was all about trying to survive without doing any mistakes.

“In the last one there was no reason to push at all as there were so many people off the road and I got a bit scared. In the afternoon, that was the first time I’m doing big cuts with the car in the mud and everything and I haven’t tested that before so it has been interesting. There is still a lot of learning. There is a crazy long way to go.”

While Solberg proved his skill winning Rally Estonia last year, his display in Monte Carlo has surprised Toyota management.

“For me it is a sensational performance. I didn’t expect him to be on this level at this event,” said Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala.

“I would say if this rally was Rally Sweden then this is what I expected but not here. What I am amazed by the most is how relaxed he is. All the other drivers seem to be a lot more stressed and tense, but even in the difficult conditions he is able to make it.”

Takamoto Katsuta, Aaron Johnston, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

When asked if being relaxed was the key to his speed, Solberg added: “I don’t know. I’m a very relaxed guy and I have fun with what I do and I love my life. In the car I have stress but I’m very focussed but not stressed.

“Estonia was easy compared to this. There you just have fun and drove and drove and it was no problem, but here there are so many things that can go wrong. We have seen that in the past with so many drivers. It is never over until it’s over and you need to keep 100% focussed.

“[The plan is to] keep having fun. Monte Carlo is Monte Carlo and I will try to do my best.”

Friday afternoon also witnessed Ogier return to his best after struggling on Thursday night. The nine-time world champion topped the times in the final two tests to close the gap to Evans to 6.5s.

Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux ended Friday sitting fourth overall, albeit 5m05.2s behind Solberg after an eventful day. The Frenchman was without the use of his handbrake, which meant at hairpin bends he had to reverse the car to get around. Fourmaux’s i20 N was also struck by electronic and fuel pump issues that contributed to being late at a stage eight time control resulting in a 30s penalty.

Thierry Neuville had held fourth until his day unraveled when he became stuck in a ditch for three minutes in the final stage of the day. Luckily fans were able to push the car back onto the road to ensure he held onto fifth.

M-Sport-Ford Rally1 rookie Jon Armstrong survived two punctures to sit in an impressive sixth [+7m18.6s] on his top tier debut, ahead of Hyundai’s Hayden Paddon, making his return to the WRC. Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta had been sitting seventh until his Toyota developed a power steering failure, dropping him to 12th overall.

The top 10 was rounded out by WRC2 runners Leo Rossel, Eric Camilli and Lancia’s Nikolay Gryazin.

WRC Monte Carlo: Dominant Solberg exceeds Toyota’s expectations