Oliver Solberg, Swedish rally driver and runner-up in the World Rally Championship (WRC), has expressed his excitement about being part of the renewal of the legendary Toyota Celica. With his sights set on 2027, Solberg is ready to put behind the pain of losing the title this season.
Just over a month ago, Solberg saw his dream of winning the world championship fade away two corners before the end of the last stage. Now, he has been announced as one of the three drivers who will drive the new Toyota GR Celica Rally1 starting next year.
A job to recover the glory of the past
The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed the return of the Toyota Celica, a model that brought the company successes during the 70s, 80s, and 90s and won the constructors’ championships in 1993 and 1994. The vehicle was one of the great allies of drivers like Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, and Didier Auriol, who won titles in the early 90s.
In competition, the Celica will face off against the GR Yaris, driven by figures such as Ott Tänak, Kalle Rovanperä, and Takamoto Katsuta. This innovative strategy from Toyota involves splitting the six vehicles into two categories, with two identical models under the bodywork.
Excitement and family legacy
Solberg discovered he would be driving the Celica at the presentation and expressed his satisfaction at being part of a brand with such a rich legacy. Additionally, his father made his WRC debut in 1998 driving a Celica, reinforcing the family connection to this vehicle.
“It’s amazing. I think it’s a different way of doing things, unique in any sport,” Solberg commented. His vision of competition focuses on how this diversity of vehicles will allow for greater promotion of rallying and a more competitive atmosphere among drivers.
Overcoming disappointments
Despite the excitement of the future, Solberg cannot forget the disappointment he felt after losing the title this season due to an error at the end of the competition in Sardinia. However, he has reflected on his first year in the Rally1 category and is proud of the impact his performances have had, including the extraordinary finale that captured social media attention.
“I’m good now. Even though it still hurts a little, I know I’ve done a good job and that we’ve fought hard until the end,” adds Solberg, as he looks forward with great ambition to win the title in 2027.
With a renewed spirit and intensified passion, Solberg is more determined than ever to achieve what he has long desired. The path for the upcoming season appears filled with promises and expectations for a new era for the Toyota Celica.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
