The young Swedish driver Oliver Solberg seeks to continue his career after separating his ways from Hyundai and the M-Sport option is drawn as the most realistic to continue competing at the controls of a hybrid ‘Rally1’.
Oliver Solberg started the 2022 season as one of the most outstanding young promises in the WRC. With the full support of Hyundai, the Swedish driver had a partial program in the premier category of the World Rally Championship at the controls of the third Hyundai i20 N Rally1, thus alternating with the Spanish Dani Sordo. Specific, Solberg has contested eight rallies with the hybrid vehicle of the South Korean firm.
Despite the absolute confidence that Hyundai has shown during the season, the truth is that Solberg has not responded to the expectations of the brand. Several big mistakes when he had the option of achieving a good result have been key to the dissolution of this company. Alleging a change of pretensions in search of an alignment of greater experience that allows to ensure results, Hyundai and Solberg have parted ways.
“M-Sport is a dream team and it is a perfect place to be and to learn as a young driver”
Waiting to know how Hyundai solves your wish, Oliver Solberg is without a seat and has already begun to move to secure its presence at the World Rally Championship next year. In fact, Solberg has had the first talks with M-Sport to be able to drive one of the team’s Ford Fiesta Rally1 cars in 2023. The Swedish driver himself has recognized this, adding that it would be a very interesting option.
In this sense, the most realistic option to continue in the highest category of the WRC in the next season is M-Sport. Malcolm Wilson’s team has a close relationship with the Solberg family, as Petter has raced for the team in two spells, first in 1999 while taking his first steps in the championship and then in 2012, in his last full-time season at the WRC.
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Oliver Solberg he knows that he has to move skillfully in the market and that is why he does not hold back any details in his analysis: «It’s hard to know what’s going to happen right now. Nothing is really open. Hyundai has made it very clear what they want, so I’m not going back. Toyota has everything it needs and it has good drivers, the best car and the best team. It’s very difficult to get in there.”
«In M-Sport I think they need drivers, if it is an option no, I am not sure yet. I’m not going to give up. The hope is to be in a ‘Rally1’ car at the Monte Carlo Rally. I’ve talked to everyone. Any seat would be great. M-Sport is a dream team and it’s a perfect place to be and to learn as a young pilot. He has a lot of experience in dealing with young drivers »emphasized Solberg.
secondary option
Inciding in this way, Solberg has added: «M-Sport is one of the best teams you can be in. The car looks very fast and for sure they need a bit of development to keep up, but I think they have one of the best teams. I think it could be a very interesting option. I have personal sponsors, we are discussing to see what we can do and maybe M-Sport is a good option.
However, the Swede does not close any door: «If WRC2 is the only option left, I will have to do it. It is not the desired plan, because my dream is to be in the queen class. It would be nice to use the experience I have now to start from scratch somewhere and if it has to be in WRC2, it will be. I don’t think a private participation with a ‘Rally1’ is possiblefor instance”.
Font: autosport
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Photos: Red Bull Content Pool