Even when Oliver Solberg was presented as factory driver for Hyundai, with a championship bet on WRC2 initially in 2021, it was clear that steering in the WRC class was the long-term goal.

Something even Jonas Kruse emphasized.

- 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, Kruse said then.

Jonas Kruse and also the main character himself are surprised that the chance for a WC start in the highest class would come already in the season's second WC competition.

What does it mean to now take this step into a WRC car?

- Clearly, it is important for me to start driving a car like this, learn and see how to drive and how much faster it goes.

It is important to start this early, and I did not think I could start right now, says Oliver Solberg to SVT Sport.

Strong season start

- My feeling is that Hyundai's team manager Adamo has decided this after young Solberg's progress in the Artic Rally (included in the Finnish championship in January) in Finland and most recently in Monte Carlo.

The speed, safety and development that Team Solberg has done on the car impresses the charismatic team leader, says Jonas Kruse.

While Kruse is really happy that the young super talent gets the chance, he also believes that there is another side to it all.

- That it is a premature entry into the WRC, we all probably agree.

The risk is, of course, that Oliver's self-confidence can be damaged by a bad result or by a major mistake.

But, on the other hand, dad Petter Solberg did not say no the time he got the chance in the Safari Rally when Tomas Rådström broke his foot…

"No pressure"

SVT's motor expert, on the other hand, is convinced that Oliver Solberg will give everything for a good result and that in addition to this weekend's test day with the team, he also found other tricks to maximize his preparations.

- Solbergs has an older WRC car in his museum that has a similar specification on the driveline as today's WRC cars, my guess is that it does not stand and collect dust there right now, says Kruse and continues:

- Oliver has probably done a test with it to get the feeling, learn the hydraulically controlled differentials and get used to speed that is very different from an R5 car.

Kruse is looking forward to following Oliver Solberg's debut in a WRC car during the World Cup in Finland, but is clear that no pressure will be put on Solberg.

Gathering experience is the focus - not the result.

- No one can have any demands on the 19-year-old's times at the rally.

He only has one day test with the car before the rally but he must see this as a five day test!

Test day, shakedown and three competition days.

- Have fun and no pressure is what applies now, Jonas Kruse concludes.

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Solberg about the challenge with the new WRC car