Oliver Solberg keeps pressure on Evans in Sardinia

Oliver Solberg has kept his World Rally Championship title hopes alive in Sardinia, putting further pressure on Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans at the season-ending round. The 25-year-old Swede entered the rally in third place in the standings, 21 points behind Evans, while fellow Toyota driver Sami Pajari was 17 points off the Welshman.

Solberg set the fastest time in the shakedown and then won the opening stage at Ittiri. His performance continued a strong run that includes victory at Monte Carlo and a dominant display in Chile two weeks ago, where Toyota secured its sixth manufacturers’ title. With the Saudi Arabia round cancelled, Sardinia is the championship finale, leaving Solberg needing a maximum points haul while avoiding problems.

He led a Toyota sweep of the opening stage. Sébastien Ogier was second, 0.8 seconds behind, followed by Evans at 1.1 seconds and Pajari at 1.5 seconds. The result gives Solberg the best start among the three Toyota drivers chasing the championship, although Evans remains the leader and is seeking his first world title after finishing runner-up in the previous three seasons.

Solberg’s immediate task is to stay ahead while maintaining the pace that has made him the driver most capable of disrupting Evans’ bid. The Sardinian rally has begun with that contest still open.