Oliver Solberg Achieves Historic First Win for TOYOTA at Rally Estonia

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Oliver Solberg secured his first victory in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) while driving for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team at the Rally Estonia 2025 on July 20, 2025. This victory not only marks a significant personal achievement for the 23-year-old Swedish driver but also represents the 100th win in the history of TOYOTA within the WRC.

Solberg, who previously competed in the WRC2 category, was handed the opportunity to step up after an impressive season, where he currently leads the WRC2 championship. The decision to promote him to the Rally1 category came after his strong performance with the GR Yaris Rally2, prompting TOYOTA officials to provide him with a chance to showcase his talent on a larger stage.

Upon his arrival in Estonia, Solberg spent two days testing the GR Yaris Rally1 car in Finland, preparing for the challenging gravel stages that characterize the rally. From the outset, he and his British co-driver Elliott Edmondson displayed exceptional prowess, claiming their first stage win during the opening forest stage on Friday morning. By the end of the first day, they had established a lead of 12.4 seconds, which they steadily extended over the subsequent stages, culminating in an impressive final lead of 25.2 seconds over local favorite Ott Tänak, who drives for Hyundai.

The rally concluded with Solberg achieving a total of nine stage wins, a feat that highlights his adaptability and skill behind the wheel. This victory places him among the elite in rallying, as he joins his father, Petter Solberg, a former World Rally Champion, in the ranks of WRC winners. Furthermore, Solberg is now recognized as the third youngest driver to win a WRC event, following his teammate Kalle Rovanperä and Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala.

Akio Toyoda, Chairman of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, praised Solberg’s performance, recalling a memorable encounter from three years earlier when Solberg sought a photo with rally legend Juha Kankkunen. Toyoda expressed his pride in Solberg’s achievement and looked forward to future rallies, particularly the upcoming home event in Jyväskylä, Finland. "Oliver, Elliott, congratulations on your victory!" Toyoda stated in a press release. "I believe this victory is just the beginning for Oliver and the team."

Juha Kankkunen, Deputy Team Principal, echoed Toyoda’s sentiments, stating, "It has been an unbelievable weekend from Oliver. He drove cleanly against highly experienced drivers and handled the pressure exceptionally well. This win is not only significant for him but also for TOYOTA as we celebrate our 100th victory."

Despite Solberg's triumph, some of his teammates faced challenges during the rally. Kalle Rovanperä, who had dominated the previous editions of the event, managed to earn points by winning the Power Stage but finished fourth overall. Elfyn Evans also performed admirably, finishing sixth despite a difficult road position throughout the event.

The victory at Rally Estonia not only reinforces TOYOTA's dominance in the WRC, where they maintain a 52-point lead in the manufacturers' standings, but also highlights a new generation of drivers beginning to make their mark in the sport. With the next rally set to take place in Finland from July 31 to August 3, the excitement continues to build as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing aims to maintain its competitive edge.

As the WRC season progresses, industry analysts and motorsport enthusiasts will be keenly observing Solberg's future performances. His victory at Rally Estonia solidifies his position as a rising star in rally racing, with many expecting significant contributions to the sport from him in the coming years. The blend of youth, experience, and the backing of a formidable team could potentially set the stage for Solberg to become a leading figure in the WRC and beyond.