Solberg set for Škoda debut in Sweden
Oliver Solberg will drive a Škoda Motorsport-supported Fabia R5 evo on selected rounds of this year's WRC 3 series, starting at this weekend’s Rally Sweden.
The 18-year old son of Petter, who became the youngest ever winner of an FIA European Rally Championship round last season, tested the Fabia R5 for the first time earlier this year.
"Škoda has such an amazing history in the sport of rallying,” says Oliver. “Look back all the time and you see them there. From before I was born Škoda has been building World Rally Cars and more recently the Fabia R5 has been right at the front and winning in the WRC and all around the world for so many years.
"It's a fantastic honour and a really huge honour for me to drive with the support of Škoda. I went to the Škoda Motorsport headquarters in Mladá Boleslav already and, wow, what a cool place that is. It was so impressive."
However, it was in his own Monster Energy-backed Volkswagen Polo R5 in which Oliver contested the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally in.
“We will still drive the Polo on some rounds," he added. "The main thing for me now is to try to make experience on as many WRC rounds as possible this year. Everybody talks about how much experience you need and how important it is – I saw that for myself in Wales last year and Monte Carlo last weekend. These WRC rounds are tougher and longer than anything me and Aaron [Johnston, co-driver] have done before. But I've got to tell you, this year is like a dream for me. Driving in the world championship is all I ever wanted to do. OK being world champion is also something I'm still dreaming to, and with Škoda Motorsport's support I'm really on the right road."
“For 2020, we will focus more on customer teams and on the development of young and promising drivers,” says Škoda Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek. “We are happy to co-operate with Oliver and his team for the WRC 3 championship of 2020. He already proved his speed – now we are keen to see his progress throughout the season.”
Oliver Solberg and Aaron Johnston wear Stilo WRC DES Zero helmets.
