Oliver Solberg and Hyundai Motorsport will part company after two years, the team citing a change of direction for their World Rally Championship program.
Solberg had been expected to continue with the team into 2023 – potentially driving a fourth Hyundai i20 N Rally1, as suggested by team-mate Thierry Neuville.
The 21-year-old, who finished fifth at last week’s Rally New Zealand, said: “Obviously I’m disappointed about the situation, but I have to respect the team’s decision and its new plan to go ahead with three cars and only experienced drivers in its driver line-up.
“It’s been very nice of them to have been open with me during this process. I know it wasn’t an easy call for them to make since the plan has changed.
“I remain grateful for this first opportunity that they have offered me in the WRC. We knew that this season would be one of learning, of which we have done a lot, and it will undoubtedly be valuable experience for me in the next stage of my career.
“I will remain committed in my duties to the team for the rest of the year and send my thanks to everyone at Alzenau and on the rallies for their support. We will be ending this chapter on good terms, and I’ll always wish them well.”
Deputy team principal Julien Moncet added: “Oliver has been a great asset to our team this season, showing himself to be resilient and eager to learn.
“However, we have seen the benefits of having an experienced and consistent crew at the wheel of our car. This will be our focus for our 2023 line-up.
“Oliver will remain with us until the end of the year, joining for the pre-event recce in Japan, as well as other activities. We wish him the very best for the future. In the World Rally Championship, you never know when paths may cross again. We end this particular phase of the relationship on good terms and know that Oliver will find the right next step for his career.”
Solberg’s entry for Rally Japan is being taken by Dani Sordo, although he will still complete the recce for this year’s WRC finale in Aichi.
