Solberg back in the hot seat for British Championship round

It was announced last week that Hyundai would not be renewing Solberg’s contract for 2023, with Repco Rally New Zealand earlier this month marking the young Swede’s final start for the Alzenau-based i20 N outfit. 

The 21-year-old has made clear in recent media interviews that he hopes to return to the WRC’s highest level as soon as possible, although which team he could drive for currently remains uncertain. 

Solberg revealed today that he will contest the Cambrian Rally (28 - 29 October) - a round of the British Rally Championship - later this month with a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.

He explained that he is contesting the Welsh fixture with an eye to the future and the main emphasis will be on having fun. 

“Obviously things have changed a little bit this season,” said Solberg. “I don’t want to focus on what happened – I want to look forwards to the future. 

“Like we know, my co-driver Elliott [Edmondson] and I will travel with Hyundai Motorsport for the recce for Rally Japan and I’m really excited for that. I love Japan and I’m excited to look at this new event.

“Before that, we will do the Cambrian in the Polo. I have talked a lot with my sponsors about the situation and they agreed that the best thing for me to do is to drive again. I am very fortunate to have a car and the chance to do this – so we go to Wales!”

The Cambrian Rally is based in Llandudno and features several classic stages previously used on Wales Rally GB. Solberg made his FIA World Rally Championship debut on those very roads back in 2019 when he was also driving a Polo. 

“It will be really nice to be back in Llandudno again and driving those roads,” beamed the youngster. “The organisers for the event have helped a lot with bringing me and the team over and, again, I couldn’t do this without my brilliant sponsors.

“Now, I am so looking forward to driving again. We have some proper, proper roads to enjoy and that’s what we’re going to do. I’m not looking to the times or to anything like that, I just want to enjoy myself and drive with a smile.”