L. MathekaSolberg to compete in a Skoda for WRC2 title in 2023
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 17.12.22. | 13:11
21-year-old, Solberg, drove the Fabia RS Rally2 for the first time in France last week, taking part in Toksport’s pre-event Monte test.
After his exit from Hyundai, it has been confirmed that rally ace Oliver Solberg will drive a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 in next year’s WRC2, making his debut at next month’s Rallye Monte-Carlo.
The Monaco-based season-opener will not form part of Solberg’s WRC2 campaign, however. He starts his title tilt at February’s Rally Sweden.
The battle for next year’s WRC2 title is shaping up to be an intense one as several stars have pledged their commitment to the category.
In addition to Solberg Czech youngster Erik Cais and M-Sport Ford a two-car WRC2 team of former top-level driver Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster in a pair of identical Fiesta cars are set to compete.
Announcements from other manufacturers are also expected in the coming weeks.
21-year-old, Solberg, drove the Fabia RS Rally2 for the first time in France last week, taking part in Toksport’s pre-event Monte test.
"I am really excited about next season. Working with Toksport, is a great way to continue our journey. Everybody knows how competitive WRC2 is and it is fantastic to be in there battling with so many great drivers and cars.
The new Fabia RS Rally2 is the car everybody has been talking about. I tested it for the first time in France earlier this week and was really impressed. Straight away I could feel comfortable with the car and confident in the feedback," the former Hyundai Motorsport driver told WRC.
Looking forward to Rallye Monte-Carlo, Solberg said Monte is always a big challenge and one never knows what they are going to get with the weather and, really, anything can happen on this event.
"I will use this rally to understand more about the car and the team, but for me the points are going to be counted from the next round in Sweden. The new adventure is ready to begin, and I am just excited to get started," he added.
Škoda power is, of course, nothing new to Solberg. He drove a factory Fabia Rally2 in 2020, completing his WRC campaign with a credible seventh overall at the season-concluding ACI Monza Rally.
"I was also really happy with Toksport. The team principal and the rest of the guys are so professional. It is the same like working with a factory team. Nothing was a problem for them; competing with them in 2023 is going to be great," he concluded.
