Oliver Solberg says he shouldn’t have finished better than fourth in the WRC Rally Sweden, admitting he was surprised by how difficult it was to carve out the road.
Solberg heads to Sweden in high spirits after his sensational win in Monte Carlo last month, which raised expectations of his previous three wins at home in WRC2 level.
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Solberg, who has shocked the WRC service park with victories in both Rally1 races so far with Toyota, must carve out a path in the WRC’s premier class for the first time in Sweden.
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The 24-year-old got off to a strong start with victory on Thursday’s opening stage. However, his progress was halted by a cross-country trip on stage three, which he was extremely lucky to survive. The 30-second loss dropped the Toyota driver to sixth overall.
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Solberg recovered to fourth by the end of the race but struggled to find the feeling and confidence to push the limits on the snow-covered stages. However, the Swede ended the race with 17 points, 13 points behind Swedish rally champion and teammate Elfyn Evans in the championship.
“The expectations for myself are always high. I have high expectations for myself, but I think this weekend is a good learning curve to understand how to be the first one on the road,” Solberg said.
“I didn’t expect the race to be this difficult or slippery and I think my mistakes on Friday and my starting position put me at a disadvantage all weekend.
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“Today was not bad, I tried my best, but I would say the power phase was tricky and I made some small mistakes.
Oliver Solberg, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Oliver Solberg, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
“I have to be happy after Friday because I don’t think I should have finished any more than fourth, if there were no mistakes I could have been third, but it’s easy to say now. It was a good learning weekend and a good result for championship points.
“I have to say it was a tricky weekend, I never really found the feel or the rhythm. But I also didn’t want to push too hard the rest of the weekend because I never felt that way and I didn’t want to try and force it. The pace is there, but it’s always tricky in the afternoon with this starting position.”
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Asked to explain how he went from being untouchable in Monte Carlo to struggling with driving feel in Sweden, he added: “It was the first time driving a car and if you compare it to Estonia and Monte Carlo, it was the rally I was least prepared for.
“It was my first time on the road and it was a scrappy Friday and I didn’t feel too good the rest of the weekend. I think it was a good learning curve.”
Solberg’s next challenge will be the Kenya Wildlife Rally (March 12-15), with reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier rejoining the series.
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Also read:
Sebastien Ogier remains motivated to ‘keep working’ after claiming ninth WRC title
Sebastien Ogier retains Autosport Rally Driver of the Year award
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