WRC
Solberg ‘empty’ after historic Monte-Carlo breakthrough
Oliver Solberg admitted he felt “empty” on Sunday evening after the adrenaline of his landmark Rallye Monte-Carlo victory began to wear off.
The 24-year-old made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest-ever WRC winner of the prestigious event, beating 10-time victor Sébastien Ogier in the process. But as he sat alongside Elfyn Evans and Ogier in the post-event press conference, the scale of the achievement was still sinking in.
“It's crazy to sit here with legends around you and to say that you've won Rallye Monte-Carlo, the most unique, crazy, difficult rally of the year,” Solberg said after topping a dominant Toyota Gazoo Racing 1-2-3.
“I'm a bit speechless because I'm a bit empty now. I've been so focused all weekend. This weekend you needed 110 per cent focus with the conditions that have been extremely tricky.”
The 94th running of the rally lived up to its reputation, throwing rapidly changing conditions at crews throughout the weekend. Fog, snow, black ice and heavy rain tested concentration and tyre choice from start to finish.
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Rather than adopting a conservative approach, Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson committed to an aggressive strategy, attacking the iciest sections where others held back - particularly on Thursday night, when they established an early advantage.
“We've done a great job together, me and Elliott, to gain advantage where we could,” he explained. “We've been pushing really hard on the snow and ice to make the difference. Then, of course, on the more dry road, it's difficult to make a difference.”
The victory was not without drama. Solberg slid into a field on Saturday and had two overshoots on Sunday morning, moments that threatened to derail his charge. He admitted that while speed was crucial, fortune also played its part.
“It's been so much fun and challenge and stress. Everything I've had in the weekend, I've never had it in my life,” he laughed. “And a little bit of luck. But you need that to win a rally like this, I think.
“First time in the car on Tarmac and first rally of the year with the team... and going on to win it is a dream come true,” he said. “A big thank you to Toyota for the trust and the belief in us to put us in this position. It's absolutely incredible.”
