Oliver Solberg has signed a two-year contract for Hyundai Motorsport, which this year won the World Championship for the second year in a row.

Solberg will drive the full season in WRC2, R5 class, in 2021.  

- This is the next part of the dream.

I have some of the dream left.

Joining Hyundai Motorsport is amazing.

Driving for the reigning world champion manufacturer, this is a big part of the dream for me, says Solberg. 

Solberg drove WRC3 this year and finished fourth in the championship where he also won his first World Cup victory in Estonia last autumn.

"Another step for me"

The goal is to one day become world champion and the merit list already includes gold in the junior European Championships, European Championship silver and several victories in the American and Latvian rally championships. 

- This is another step for me.

It definitely feels like this is a new chapter.

I have started my career now this is the next part.

But it's like everything: we can celebrate this deal today, but tomorrow we will start the hard work to get the most out of working with the world champions, says Solberg. 



Solberg's map reader Aron Johnston is also looking forward to the challenge ahead.

- I have ridden with Oliver the last two years and seen his development - he is a fantastic driver, but honestly I feel that this is just the beginning of our adventure, says Johnston in the press release.

Plan for 2022 with WRC starts

- It was not directly unexpected but it is a smart choice considering the future.

He is 19 years old and a paid factory driver, this really gives him the right conditions.

Driving a rally car is now his job seriously.

Here he gets to compete as a professional with the best conditions around him and with superb teammates, says expert Jonas Kruse.

And develops his reasoning about the importance of a factory contract.

- Now Oliver gets to drive seven races in his R5 car and there will be a new car during the middle of the season which he will be involved in developing.

This means that he gets to drive an incredible amount of car and acquires enormous experience and routine.

- I am also convinced that there is a plan for 2022 with starts in the WRC because otherwise I do not think he would have signed.