Sardinia raises stakes for Solberg
Oliver Solberg will face a daunting challenge at the World Rally Championship finale in Sardinia, where a 21‑point gap to rival Elfyn Evans puts the title fight squarely back into his hands.
Following the cancellation of the scheduled Saudi event for November, the WRC calendar has been condensed, making the Sardinian gravel stages the sole venue for the decisive showdown.
Solberg’s points strategy
Entering the rally, Solberg trails Evans by 21 points but has already amassed 106 points in the last four rounds, outpacing his nearest competitor Sami Pajari (97) and surpassing Evans’ 68. The 35 points still available mean Evans will clinch the crown with 19 points or more, irrespective of other results.
“We are sharpening our focus after the victory in Chile,” Solberg said, recalling his win at Rally Chile earlier in the season. “We now aim for a top finish that can bridge the deficit.
“The stages here demand both speed and patience, and it will be a true test of our skill and equipment.”
Team motives and driver perspectives
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Jari‑Matti Latvala highlighted the historic nature of having three team members contend for the title, noting the crew’s own success and the importance of delivering a reliable GR Yaris Rally1 for an even fight.
“Sardinia’s rough gravel and rocky pockets will test tyre durability and driver calculations,” Latvala remarked. “We’ll support them to the limit.”
Evans, who has run a season‑long championship campaign, acknowledged the difficulty of opening the road on Sardinia but stressed his experience as a key factor. Sami Pajari, meanwhile, praised Solberg’s recent revival and acknowledged that the front‑row clash offers both competitors a chance to secure a first‑time world title.
“The battle will be fair and, regardless of the result, it will be a fitting finale for the GR Yaris Rally1,” Latvala concluded.
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