Solberg Criticises Demanding Portugal Rally Schedule

Oliver Solberg has criticised the structure of Rally Portugal 2026, arguing that recent WRC schedule adjustments have failed to significantly reduce the demanding workload faced by crews and drivers. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver believes the event remains just as physically and mentally exhausting as previous editions.

Solberg started the 2026 season in spectacular fashion by winning the Monte Carlo Rally, but the following three events ended in disappointment after a series of mistakes and technical setbacks. Despite continuing to demonstrate strong outright pace and multiple stage wins, the Swedish driver has now dropped to fourth in the championship standings, trailing team-mate Elfyn Evans by 33 points.

Heading into Portugal, Solberg admitted his focus is no longer based purely on speed, but increasingly on ensuring he reaches the finish without major mistakes. The young Toyota driver acknowledged that experience and risk management remain important areas in his ongoing Rally1 development.

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“Maybe now I need to think more about the championship because the last few rallies have gone worse. I probably still lack some experience or patience to get the results I want,” Solberg told Rallit.fi.

Rally Portugal has become a major talking point in recent years due to its extremely long competitive days and limited recovery time. For 2026, WRC organisers moved three special stages to Thursday in an attempt to ease the pressure on Friday’s schedule. However, Solberg believes the adjustment changed very little in practice.

“I don’t see any difference compared to last year. The situation is exactly the same,” Solberg said.

The Toyota driver explained that the overall route distance and number of stages remain effectively unchanged from the previous season. According to Solberg, only the distribution of the stages has been altered, while the lack of proper rest and reduced service opportunities continue to place heavy strain on crews and machinery.

From a technical perspective, Portugal is expected to become one of the most demanding gravel rallies of the season. The combination of rough surfaces, high speeds, and changing weather conditions significantly increases tyre degradation and puncture risks. Those challenges are expected to become even more important due to the limited tyre allocation available throughout the rally.

Solberg also warned that weather conditions could dramatically influence the event, particularly with forecasts suggesting possible rain on both Saturday and Sunday. Such conditions could create inconsistent grip levels and increase the likelihood of costly mistakes.

“I’m sure punctures will become one of the biggest factors, especially on Friday. If rain arrives on Saturday and Sunday, it will definitely become very difficult,” Solberg explained.

Despite criticising the event format, Solberg remains optimistic about Toyota’s competitiveness on Portugal’s gravel stages after showing strong pace on previous loose-surface rallies. He believes the Toyota Rally1 package is capable of fighting at the front provided the team successfully manages mechanical risks and tyre strategy.

With the championship battle tightening and margins becoming increasingly small, Rally Portugal is now viewed as a crucial event for Solberg to regain momentum in the title race while proving he can consistently convert raw speed into championship results at Rally1 level.