WRC Sweden 2026: Solberg Escapes Major Trouble as Evans Leads

WRC, Sportrik Media – Oliver Solberg endured two off-road moments during Friday morning’s loop at Rally Sweden 2026 but remarkably avoided major damage, despite losing valuable time in the overall standings.

The home favourite, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, admitted he was fortunate to escape serious consequences. On the first stage of the morning, Solberg stalled the engine at a junction. Attempting to increase his pace on the following test, he was caught out by deep snow beyond the racing line.

“It was honestly a very lucky situation. On the first stage I was a bit careful and then the engine stalled at one junction – I don’t know why. On the second stage I tried to drive more normally and push a bit more, but there was too much snow off the line,” Solberg explained.

He described how the rear of the car slid wide into deep snow without a firm snowbank to hold it. After rejoining the road, he struck a rock which resulted in a puncture.

“When I went wide, the rear just slid and there was nothing to stop it. Luckily I didn’t lose too much time getting back, but when I rejoined the road I hit a rock and got a puncture,” he added.

Solberg also pointed to the broader challenge of adaptation. It marks his first experience opening the road in WRC competition and his first time driving the Rally1 car in Swedish snow as championship leader.

“Maybe I was a bit too confident this morning expecting better grip. In reality it was much more difficult. It’s my first time running first on the road and first time with this car on snow. Driving on familiar roads is almost harder because I keep comparing it to my Rally2 experience. My braking points are too early. I need to improve my feeling with the car,” Solberg admitted.

Meanwhile, team-mate Elfyn Evans continues to lead the rally with a measured and consistent approach. The Welshman acknowledged that conditions during the morning loop were far from straightforward, with grip levels fluctuating significantly between stages.

“This morning was quite tricky. The conditions weren’t easy or consistent, and the grip varied even from one stage to another. It really kept us on our toes,” Evans said.

With evolving surface conditions and road cleaning likely to influence the competitive order, Rally Sweden 2026 remains finely balanced as the event progresses into the decisive stages of the weekend.