Solberg to field WRC2 Škoda in 2023

The Monaco-based season-opener won’t form part of Solberg’s WRC2 campaign, however. He starts his title tilt at February’s Rally Sweden.

The 21-year-old drove the Fabia RS Rally2 for the first time in France on Friday, taking part in Toksport’s pre-event Monte test.

Looking ahead to next season, the former Hyundai Motorsport driver said: “I’m really excited about next season. Working with Toksport, it’s a great way to continue our journey. Everybody knows how competitive WRC2 is and it’s 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.

“I was also really happy with Toksport. Serkan [Duru, team principal] and the rest of the guys are so professional – it’s the same like working with a factory team. Nothing was a problem for them; competing with them in 2023 is going to be great.”

Looking forward to Rallye Monte-Carlo, Solberg said: “Monte is always a big, big challenge. You never know what you’re 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’m just excited to get started!”

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.

Images by José Arellano