Oliver Solberg has confirmed he will fight for next year’s WRC2 title in a Toksport-run Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.
The Monster Energy-backed driver will start his campaign at Rally Sweden in February – but will make his debut in the latest specification Fabia at next month’s Monte-Carlo Rally. He tested the Toksport Škoda in the French Alps on Monday.
“I’m really excited about next season,” said Solberg. “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.
“I’m also super-proud to be wearing Monster Energy colors again. These guys have been with me and my family for such a long time – it feels like they’re part of our family!
“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.”
Talking about Monte Carlo, his first WRC round back after parting ways with Hyundai earlier this season, Solberg added: “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!”
Solberg has not announced the remainder of his 2023 program, but can only nominate a maximum of seven rallies towards his WRC2 campaign – with the best scores from those to count.
