19-year-old Solberg finished seventh in the WRC debut in the Arctic Rally in Finnish Rovaniemi in February and now regains the confidence to drive in the WRC, the highest class, in the Italian World Rally Championship in Sardinia 3-6 June.
- I know that Sardinia will be a tricky competition - I remember it from last year.
It's good that I have some knowledge of the competition, OK there are some new roads that some of the guys may have driven, but I have an idea of what to expect.
And after Arctic, I have a really good idea of the car, Solberg says in the press release.
And continues.
- The goal for me is the same as in Finland - to gather as much experience as possible.
It is a fantastic opportunity to drive the car again, says Solberg.
Raised expectations
- The phasing in to the WRC for Oliver is now starting in earnest, this is great fun for him that he gets the chance again.
He did unbelievably well last time and showed with his speed and eighth place that it was not too early, which I was initially worried about.
I hope that he now gets good conditions with tests before the rally.
Expectations have been raised for Oliver after his successful debut, says SVT's expert Jonas Kruse.
Solberg ran the competition in Sardinia last year, then in WRC3.
He was involved for a long time and fought for the victory in WRC3 and a top position overall, but a ditch visit crushed the chances of victory.
- I enjoyed Sardinia well last autumn, the roads suited me well.
A little mistake ruined for a top position then, but I learned a lot and the experience I take with me when we go there again, says Solberg who was 6th in WRC3 on Sardine last year.
Chasing World Cup points in WRC2 in Portugal
Before the next WRC steering awaits the next World Cup in Portugal, 20-23 May, where Oliver starts with the team's R5 car in WRC2.
It is his first start this year in WRC2 where he drives for World Cup points, during the premiere in Monte Carlo Solberg did not drive for points.
- All the best WRC2 drivers look to start in Portugal, so I expect tough competition.
The experience is still most important to me, but I hope to be able to fight for a podium.
Long-term competition
plan Expert Jonas Kruse is looking forward to Solberg's upcoming WC challenges in both WRC2 and WRC, but at the same time hopes for clarity in the competition schedule in the future.
- The main goal from the beginning was to win WRC2 this year for Oliver Solberg.
The question now is, is this no longer the goal?
Do not get me wrong, I really give Oliver the chance in the WRC but I hope that there is a clear and long-term competition plan and goal picture for which competitions he will run in each championship.
This is to be able to focus and give peace of mind, says Kruse and continues.
- He can definitely drive in both championships, but a clear plan for the season and continuity is required, as it is also about training and gaining as much experience as possible. Especially in the WRC car on different surfaces in preparation for a full WRC investment in the future, hopefully already next year.