Oliver Solberg laid down an early marker at Rally Sardinia, setting the fastest time on the Ittiri Arena superspecial. The Toyota driver edged out teammate Sebastien Ogier by 0.8 seconds to kick off the weekend in style. This was more than just a stage win—it was a statement of intent in a title fight that is far from over.
Solberg, currently 21 points behind championship leader Elfyn Evans, knows exactly what is at stake. “The target is clear. I need to score 35 points. I have to give it everything and stay out of trouble. It is incredible that we are in the fight after such a rollercoaster season,” he said. That determination was evident in how he attacked the short 2.21-kilometre blast.
Behind him, Elfyn Evans had to settle for third, 1.1 seconds adrift. The Welshman will once again be first on the road on Friday, sweeping the loose gravel—a tough task that could reshape the rally. “The feeling is pretty good. Tomorrow will certainly be challenging. We need to drive well and do our best. But we cannot afford just to cruise through the rally,” Evans admitted.
Sami Pajari, meanwhile, finished the opening test in fourth, 1.5 seconds behind Solberg. Pajari is second in the standings, 17 points behind Evans. The Finn needs an outstanding result in Sardinia to snatch the title, while Evans would also have to falter. “This was only the first taste of an exciting weekend. I went a little sideways here and there. From tomorrow onwards, it is going to be a crazy rally,” Pajari said.
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville was fifth-fastest, 2.3 seconds off the lead, with teammate Dani Sordo sixth ahead of Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta. Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai) completed the top eight, followed by Ford duo Jon Armstrong and Josh McErlean. In WRC2, Teemu Suninen made the perfect start, beating fellow Finn Emil Lindholm by half a second in his Toyota.
The Ittiri Arena superspecial may be just the opener, but its tremors are already being felt throughout the paddock. With 17 stages remaining, every second counts. Solberg has sent a clear message: he will not go down without a fight. Evans, on the other hand, must be wary—road sweeping on loose gravel can be a double-edged sword.
The real battle begins on Friday. But the tension is already palpable. Can Solberg maintain his momentum? Or will Evans and Pajari turn their starting positions into an advantage? One thing is certain: Rally Sardinia 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling title showdowns in years.
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