Oliver Solberg Confirms Rally Chile Will Be His Final Round

Oliver Solberg has confirmed Rally Chile BioBio will be his final round of the 2023 WRC2 season. 

What Changed?

Oliver Solberg did say at the beginning of the season he would compete in all European rounds of the championship. However seeing as Chile will be his final event of the season, that means he won’t be going to the Central European Rally, but why? There are multiple possibilities on why this is, but the most likely is budgeting. Solberg has been extremely lucky this season to be able to run every round so far. Even if he wasn’t scoring points. This is something WRC2 drivers rarely do, but Solberg wanted to gain valuable experience. Solberg was meant to skip Safari Rally Kenya, but his friend Daniel Chwist supplied him with a car. This probably took most of Solberg’s budget that was meant for the Central European Rally. Whatever the reason may be as to why this has changed, or if it has changed is unknown at this point.

Not His Final Event

Oliver Solberg’s WRC2 campaign may be over, but he will still compete in some rallies. Solberg has already confirmed he will be competing in the Roger Albert Clark Rally in the UK from 23rd to November 27th. Solberg will drive his family’s Ford Escort MK2. Joining Solberg will be former American Rally Champion Barry McKenna and former European Rally Champion Chris Ingram. Likely, Solberg will also compete in some other events before the year’s end, although nothing is confirmed. 

What If…

There is a small possibility Solberg could get the budget to run the Central European Rally, however, it doesn’t seem like Solberg is searching for the money to do this. It seems like Solberg is fine with his final event being Rally Chile BioBio. As Solberg likely feels he has nothing left to prove, he’s been the fastest driver in WRC2 this season and has probably earned a Rally1 drive next season.

What’s Next For Solberg?

Seeing as Rally silly season hasn’t started yet it’s hard to say. Solberg has probably earned a Rally1 drive, as previously mentioned, but it’s unknown if there’ll be an open spot. There’ll be an article on Speed Trap Magazine looking deeper into this topic sometime after Rally Chile BioBio has come to an end.

Toyota Gazoo Racing will be making their WRC2 debut next season, but who could drive for the team? 

Younger Drivers

Sami Pajari

This one’s a given, Sami Pajari has been linked to Toyota for the past year or longer. It’s not a secret that the Japanese team likes Pajari. I can’t blame them, he’s a talented driver who could be their next big start. Toyota has a great eye for picking out young stars. Unless something changes or another team gives Pajari a better deal, he will be with Toyota next season. Who will join Pajari on the team will be a bigger question. 

Jari Huttunen 

Jari Huttunen was one of the better young WRC drivers up until the end of last season. When he couldn’t get a drive in the WRC2 class and didn’t have the budget to compete at events besides Secto Rally Finland. It’s no secret Toyota likes their Fins, could Huttunen return to the WRC with the team? It’s possible, much like Pajari, Huttunen is a talented driver. He’s also driven a Rally1 car before. Huttunen would give Toyota an experienced driver to line up beside Pajari, whilst still being relatively young. Huttunen has 4 WRC2 rally victories so far in his career, finishing third in the championship in 2021. 

Mikko Heikklä

Mikko Heikklä, much like Huttunen is an extremely talented driver. Hekkila hasn’t had many chances in the WRC, however, he has raced in the ERC. Where he currently sits 10th in the championship, boasting only one top-five or higher result. However, that doesn’t mean Heikklä isn’t a good driver. As he won the Finnish Rally Championship last season, and had a decent finish at Secto Rally Finland. Finishing 5th overall despite facing issues throughout the event. Heikklä is a bit older, being 31, but much like Huttunen it would give Toyota somebody with a bit more experience on the team to complement Pajari. 

Erik Cais

Finally a non-Finnish driver. Erik Cais is one of the better younger talents in WRC2. Finishing 2nd in class at Rallye Monte-Carlo last season. This season his highest finish has been fourth at Rallye Monte-Carlo. Cais has the skill set to become a decent WRC driver, he just needs the experience and the right team around him. Toyota may be the team that can give him what he needs to improve. Being 24 years old Cais still has a bit of time to improve and develop to reach his maximum potential. Cais probably won’t top the list of drivers Toyota will look at, but he should definitely be considered.

Robert Virves

Virves is an incredibly talented driver, winning the Junior WRC championship last year, and steadily improving in WRC2 this year. Virves would give Toyota another young driver to go along with Pajari. Being just 23 years old, the Estonian has the chance to develop into the next WRC star from the country. Virves currently has a lot to prove in WRC2 but given it’s his first season in the class he will improve over time as does any driver. For Virves joining Toyota may be a good idea from a future point of view. It’s an opportunity to prove himself to an established team like Toyota and Toyota is a team that can help Virves develop into a better driver. 

Mārtinš Sesks

Mārtinš Sesks is probably one of the most improved drivers in the ERC this past season. As Sesks currently sits second in the championship, winning Rally Poland and Rally Latvia. Sesks has competed in the WRC before in the Junior class. Where he finished 2nd in 2020 and third in 2021. Sesks, much like Pajari is young, being only 24 years old and having loads of potential. Toyota could have their eyes on the Latvian driver to compete with them next season. 

More Experienced Drivers

Andreas Mikkelsen 

Andreas Mikkelsen’s future in WRC2 is up in arms currently. He was meant to return to Hyundai this season after Craig Breen’s passing, but that didn’t happen. There’s still a possibility that the Norwegian driver will step back up to WRC1 next season. Whether or not it’s with Hyundai is a different story. However, if Mikkelsen doesn’t get the opportunity to take the step back up, could he move from Toksport to Toyota? Mikkelsen has been Toksport’s number-one driver for a couple years now. However, it is possible Mikkelsen could move to a different WRC2 team. Toyota would make logical sense for Mikkelsen. As he would not only get to mentor Pajari, whom he’s already teammates with, but he would also be with a team that also runs a Rally1 program. This would make him one of the top choices if something were to happen with a Toyota driver mid-season. 

Kris Meeke

Kris Meeke has pretty much been out of the WRC since 2019. Only returning this season to honour his friend Craig Breen at Rally Portugal. Meeke has been involved in rumours surrounding a return for a couple seasons now. With Sköda and Hyundai being the main two rumoured to have interest in the 44-year-old. Could Meeke return to the WRC with Toyota in WRC2 next season? It’s possible. Meeke has been running a rally program in the Portuguese Rally Championship, taking over for Breen. Meeke also runs a full-time Nitrocross program, but there is a possibility as WRC2 wouldn’t take Meeke away from any other commitments. Plus he would get a chance to mentor a young driver in Pajari and give insight into the car, much like he did with the new Sköda Fabia R5. 

Kajetan Kajetanowicz 

Kajetan Kajetanowicz is an interesting one. As Kajetanowicz is a talented driver, just came into the WRC later than most. Although he did win a couple Polish Rally Championships before joining the ERC and then the WRC. The 44-year-old has a bit of WRC2 experience under his belt and could be valuable for Toyota. As Kajetanoiwcz consistently finishes top five or higher. Something that Toyota could use throughout the season. Especially if they want to try and win a WRC2 teams title. Kajetanowicz probably won’t top the teams list of experienced drivers. He will likely still get a decent look from the team, however. 

Who Could Drive For Toyota In 2024?

Rally Chile BioBio takes place in a week’s time, let’s take a look back at the last time it was in the WRC.

New Event New Experience

Rally Chile BioBio made its WRC debut in the 2019 season. Marking the first time the championship went to Chile and the first time the event had run. Running just a few weeks after Rally Argentina, Chile was sure to give drivers and new experience at the event. Being a new experience for both the WRC and organizers something unusual was probably going to happen and that something didn’t take long to happen. As on just the second stage of the event the stage was halted due to a safety concern. This didn’t really have much of an effect on the stage as it was caught early. However, Thierry Neuville who was first on the road was interrupted due to this. Meaning he was awarded time after the stage. 

Rally Recap

Day One

The first day of Rally Chile 2019 was dominated by Ott Tänak. Tänak took 3 of the 6 stage wins on the day to take a lead of 22.4 seconds heading into the second day of the event. Sebastien Ogier sat second heading into the second day, and Jari-Matti Latvala sat third, 6.4 seconds behind Ogier. 

Day Two

The second day of the event was slightly less dominated by Tänak. As the Estonian only took 2 wins on the days six stages, tying for the most stage wins on the day with Sebastien Loeb. Kris Meeke rolled his Toyota on the opening stage of the day but would carry on. For Thierry Neuville, it was a different story. After taking the stage win on SS7, Neuville crashed out on a blind right-hander, ending his event as a result. Ott Tänak maintained the lead on the second day, now sitting 30.3 seconds ahead of Sebastien Ogier for the lead. Sebastien Loeb took hold of third as a result of Latvala breaking his driveshaft on the final stage of the day. Loeb now sat 5.1 seconds back from Ogier at the end of the day. 

Day Three

The third and final day of Rally Chile saw Ott Tänak only take one stage win. That stage win just so happened to be the Powerstage, awarding him 5 extra points. Sebastien Ogier gained back time on Tänak, however not enough to take the rally lead. As in 4 stages there isn’t much time to be had. Anyway, Tänak held on to win the first-ever Rally Chile. Beating Sebastien Ogier by 23.1 seconds. Sebastien Loeb held on to third, finishing 7.1 seconds back from Ogier. 

Subaru has been linked to a WRC return, but why does the manufacturer need to return to the championship? Find out below.

Continuing A Legacy

Subaru has one of the largest and most iconic histories in the WRC. This isn’t the reason the manufacturer needs to return to the WRC however. It’s deeper than that, and it’s not just a Subaru thing. For the health of the WRC, they need to attract more manufacturers, especially ones with the amount of legacy that Subaru has. For the WRC they need to keep the history of manufacturers alive, especially ones like Subaru that are still around and thriving. The WRC can’t risk letting the history or legacy of Subaru be forgotten. It’s also a way for Subaru to continue their legacy and be able to go out of the championship on their own foot. Not forced out via a financial crisis. 

Adding Another Manufacturer 

This isn’t something that only Subaru can solve. It’s no secret the WRC needs to add another manufacturer to the championship. Currently, the WRC only has two fully back manufacturer teams (Toyota and Hyundai) and one partly backed team (M-Sport), the WRC cannot continue with this. It may look fine for now, because all the teams are committed to the WRC. But what about in the long run? Is M-Sport going to be able to survive and be in the championship in 5 or 10 years? The WRC cannot let that be a risk, you can’t run a championship with 2 teams. It’s not good for the drivers nor the championship. At that point, you risk turning into the World RX. Subaru seems to be the only manufacturer that may have an interest in the WRC, and the WRC needs to do everything in their power to make it happen. 

Takamoto Katsuta has been in the WRC for nearly 4 seasons, is he ready for a larger role with Toyota?

Proving Himself

Takamoto Katsuta has competed in Rally’s top class since the start of the 2020 season. Katsuta has made slow but steady progress with Toyota. Having 4 podiums under his belt so far. With his highest finish being 2nd at Safari Rally Kenya in 2021. Katsuta has been consistent so far in a WRC1/Rally1 car. However, he’s finishing consistently at 5th or lower. Unless somebody has an issue that is. The biggest question is, does Toyota think he’s ready to step into a larger role with the team? As Katsuta has been the teams third full-time driver since 2020. However, Katsuta has only scored Manufacturers’ points at select events. With Sebastien Ogier being the other part-time Manufacturer points scorer for Toyota. 

Why He Needs More Time 

Katsuta is a talented driver, who is slowly improving. However, for a team like Toyota, he may not be ready to step into a full-time manufacturer scoring role. Although even if he did take that next step he likely wouldn’t score many manufacturers points. As Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans rarely make mistakes. The biggest thing Katsuta needs to improve on is finishing fifth or higher at each event. Finishing sixth isn’t terrible but for a team like Toyota, it’s not favorable. Consistency is key and finishing at or around fifth isn’t bad considering everyone else who’s in the championship. However, at most events, 6th is second last in class. As most of the time, there are only 7 or 8 Rally1 cars at an event. If Katsuta can find a way to consistently finish top five, even if nobody has an issue, he’ll be a good fit for a full-time role with the team. 

Depends On A Different Thing 

If Katsuta steps into a larger role next season is up to not just Toyota, but 8-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier. There were rumours circulating that Ogier may leave the team at the end of the season for Hyundai. However, that doesn’t look like it’ll be the case. As for Ogier, he’s in a perfect situation. He’s in a car that can win relatively easily. Ogier has also proven he can still win events. He’s won the most events this season, and would likely lead the championship if he was doing a full campaign. 

The 2024 WRC Calendar has yet to be released, it’s gotta be released soon right? But when could it be released? Find out below. 

A Possible Delay 

It was previously reported that the 2024 WRC Calendar was to be released before Greece. Well, Greece finished just over a week ago and still no calendar. So where is it? Is possible that the WRC and FIA are held up by an event? As for the 2024 calendar to be confirmed, all events have to be confirmed. If an event is struggling to get permits to run or is having another issue it could delay the calendar. We know basically the entire calendar already. As all but 3 event slots are confirmed. The remaining slots will likely be filled by Croatia Rally, Rally Japan and Rally Poland or Argentina. It’s possible that any one of these events are holding the release of the 2024 calendar up. It’s also possible the FIA and WRC are just waiting until October to release it.

When Could The 2024 WRC Calendar Be Released? 

The earliest the 2024 calendar could be released is Rally Chile BioBio in just under 2 weeks time. It’s also possible it’s unveiled as late as the Central European Rally in October. The calendar will probably be released sometime between Chile and Europe. That is if everything goes according to schedule. 

Why The 2024 WRC Calendar Needs To Come Out Soon

The 2024 Calendar doesn’t just tell fans when a WRC event is taking place. It also is normally the start of silly season talks and talks of drivers retiring and such. Most drivers, unless they are 100% sure they want to retire, don’t retire until after they see the next season’s calendar. It’ll also be the kind of true start to contract negotiations. Which have been silently taking place, but nothing has really materialized. Things will likely stay this way after the calendar is released. As everyone will likely remain with who they currently drive for. Besides maybe Ott Tänak and a few others. Nobody really wants to make a move until they see what’s next for the WRC. 

Pirelli announced earlier this week it would not be the tire supplier for the WRC past the 2024 season. So who could replace them? 

Michelin 

Michelin was the main tire supplier for the WRC from the start of the 2011 season, until the end of the 2020 season. Of course, other tires were used within this timeframe. Such as Pirelli and D-Mack. However, those were pretty much only used by privateers and teams sponsored by said tire brand. Michelin has already been involved in rumours regarding who could become the WRC’s trite supplier in 2025 and beyond. Michelin would make sense for the WRC to choose. As they have past experience with the brand, and it’s one some drivers will be familiar with. Due to the previous experience with the WRC and overall having the budget and brand recognition, Michelin will probably be the new tire supplier for the WRC after 2024. 

MRF Tyre

MRF Tyre is currently used in the ERC by their own team and some other drivers. The MRF Tyre team has won the Teams championship in the ERC the past two seasons. Proving the tire can do good at rally events. Plus with it being used in the ERC, the FIA and WRC get to see firsthand how the tire holds up. If MRF were to become the main tire supplier for the WRC it’s likely their team will come along with them. Whether or not this is in the Rally1 class is a different story. However, if it is in the Rally1 class. It’s another positive for the WRC as another team, even if it’s not a new manufacturer is needed in the WRC. 

Yokohama 

Yokohama is a bit of a dark horse. As they haven’t been used by any of the FIA’s rally championships. However, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been used in rallies. Yokohama is the main tire supplier for Subaru Motorsports USA. The biggest issue with tires is normally how easily they debeed or get punctured. Yokohama, much like Michelin would have the budget to do such a large venture. However is Yokohama ready for something as large as the WRC? Only time will truly tell if they are ready for that big of a venture.

 Pirelli To Leave The WRC After 2024

Sebastien Loeb has been absent from the WRC since the beginning of the season. What could be next for the 9-time champion?

A WRC Return?

Sebastien Loeb has won the most World Rally Championships in WRC history. Taking home a whopping 9 of them. Loeb also owns a handful of other WRC records. Including most rally wins, stage wins and podium finishes. Could Loeb return to the WRC next season? It’s a possibility but unlikely. As Loeb’s spot at M-Sport was lost after the team signed Ott Tänak which took all their funding. Loeb could find himself a seat with Toyota or Hyundai next season, however. That being if a seat opens up between now and January. Which is unlikely unless Dani Sordo doesn’t return to Hyundai. The 49-year-old would be welcomed back into the WRC paddocks with open arms. Loeb’s knowledge of the sport could be usual for a team looking to develop new drivers. 

World RX? 

After Loeb was pushed out of the WRC, he turned back to the World RX. Things were going decently for Loeb until they weren’t. As his World RX season ended abruptly after the Special One Racing team cars and tents caught fire. Ending the team’s season and freeing Loeb’s calendar completely. Loeb did compete and win a RX event in a different championship recently. Winning an event in Loheac of the French RX championship. Loeb could stick to Rallycross next season if a team picks him up. Before this season Loeb had driven for the Hansen World Rallycross Team in 2016,2017 and 2018. Finishing 5th in the championship in 2016 and 4th in 2017 and 2018. 

Extreme E? 

Loeb returned to Extreme E this past weekend with the ABT CUPRA XE team. Loeb and Klara Andersson took home podiums on both days at the IslandXPrix. Finishing second on day one and third on the second day. Could Loeb return to Extreme E for more than just one event? Only time will tell if that’s what the Frenchman does. Loeb won the 2022 Extreme E championship with Team X44. He also finished second in the championship with Team X44 in 2021. 

Retirement 

This is probably the least likely option for Loeb. As the 49-year-old appears to still want to compete in Motorsport events. Even if it’s just occasionally. Loeb has nothing left to really prove, however. As he’s won 9 WRC championships, an Extreme E championship, and a bunch of other things. For Loeb, it’s more or less about fun now. With Loeb still driving like he is, why retire? It’s still enjoyable for him and he can still bring it to anybody. So it’s unlikely Loeb will retire unless there are no opportunities for him. 

Earlier this week the full car list for EA Sports WRC was released. What cars will the game contain at launch? Find out below.

What Cars Will Be In The Game?

EA Sports WRC will feature a wide variety of historic and modern WRC cars. With everything from a 1960s Mini Cooper to the championship-winning Toyota’s of today. The full car list includes 78 different vehicles across 18 different classes. Those classes are the same as Dirt Rally 2 (minus GT), with the addition of WRC classes. What cars will be in the game and what surprises does the list include? Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Full List 

WRC Car List

• Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID
• Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID
• Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID

WRC2 * Cars

• Citroën C3 Rally2
• Ford Fiesta Rally2
• Hyundai i20 N Rally2
• ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 Evo
• ŠKODA Fabia RS Rally2
• Volkswagen Polo GTI R5

Junior WRC

• Ford Fiesta Rally3

World Rally Cars 2017-2021

• Ford Fiesta WRC
• Volkswagen Polo 2017

World Rally Cars 1997-2011

• Citroën C4 WRC
• Citroën Xsara WRC
• Ford Focus RS Rally 2001
• Ford Focus RS Rally 2008
• MINI Countryman Rally Edition
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
• Peugeot 206 Rally
• Seat Córdoba WRC
• ŠKODA Fabia WRC
• SUBARU Impreza 1998
• SUBARU Impreza 2001
• SUBARU Impreza 2008

Rally2 *

• Ford Fiesta R5 MK7 Evo 2
• Peugeot 208 T16 R5

Rally4 Cars

• Ford Fiesta MK8 Rally4
• Opel Adam R2
• Peugeot 208 Rally4
• Renault Twingo II

NR4/R4

• McRae R4
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
• SUBARU WRX STI NR4

S2000

• Fiat Grande Punto Abarth S2000
• Opel Corsa S2000
• Peugeot 207 S2000

S1600

• Citroën C2 Super 1600
• Citroën Saxo Super 1600
• Ford Puma S1600
• Renault Clio S1600

F2 Kit Cars

• Ford Escort Mk 6 Maxi
• Peugeot 306 Maxi
• Renault Maxi Mégane
• Seat Ibiza Kit Car
• Vauxhall Astra Rally Car
• Volkswagen Golf IV Kit Car

Group A

• Ford Escort RS Cosworth
• Lancia Delta HF Integrale
• Mitsubishi Galant VR4
• SUBARU Impreza 1995
• SUBARU Legacy RS

Group B (4WD) Car List

• Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2)
• Ford RS200
• Lancia Delta S4
• MG Metro 6R4
• Peugeot 205 T16 Evo 2

Group B (RWD)

• BMW M1 Procar Rally
• Lancia 037 Evo 2
• Opel Manta 400
• Porsche 911 SC RS

H3 (RWD)

• BMW M3 Evo Rally
• Ford Escort MK2 McRae Motorsport
• Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500
• Lancia Stratos
• Opel Ascona 400
• Renault 5 Turbo

H2 (RWD)

• Alpine Renault A110 1600 S
• Fiat 131 Abarth Rally
• Ford Escort MK2
• Hillman Avenger
• Opel Kadett C GT/E
• Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

H2 (FWD)

• Peugeot 205 GTI
• Peugeot 309 GTI
• Volkswagen Golf GTI

H1 (FWD)

• Lancia Fulvia HF
• MINI Cooper S
• Vauxhall Nova Sport

Builder Cars

• WRC Builder Car
• WRC2 Builder Car *
• Junior WRC Builder Car

The Surprises 

Fans of the game were quick to take notice of some unexpected cars. Namely the Sköda Córdoba Rally which was last featured in Colin McRae Rally 2. Others include the Vauxhall Astra Rally Car, Ford Escort Mk 6 Maxi and the McRae R4 among others. The list doesn’t feature too many surprises as it’s mostly just content from Dirt Rally 2. However, the list is definitely comparable or better than the one in WRC Generations. Sure EA Sports WRC won’t feature as many of the more modern World Rally Cars such as the Citroen C3 and the Toyota Yaris but that’s minor. 

What’s Next To Be Revealed?

Next up on the list for EA Sports WRC reveals is a gameplay deep dive. Something that should give us a lot more to talk about. Seeing as we’ve only gotten a single video with maybe 30 seconds of actual gameplay footage. Which as a result doesn’t tell us much in terms of what to expect at all. The gameplay deep dive will likely come out sometime in the next week or so. Keep your eyes peeled. 

Pirelli has announced it would be leaving the WRC after their contract expires at the end of the 2024 WRC season. 

Leaving 

In a statement released on Pirelli’s website, the Italian company stated, “Pirelli has not submitted its candidature to supply the FIA World Rally Championship from 2025-2027. As a result, the Italian firm will conclude its partnership as a single supplier to the WRC in 2024, having achieved the targets set three years ago at the start of the current contract. Pirelli – present in more than 350 motorsport championships around the world – remains committed to rallying, and will continue its participation in all the other rally competitions in which it is currently involved. These include the FIA European Rally Championship, won this year by Hayden Paddon in a Pirelli-equipped Hyundai. The ERC is organised by the same promoter as the WRC, with a number of different tyre manufacturers taking part. Pirelli is also present in more than 40 national rally championships worldwide, as well as a wide variety of other events for modern and historic rally cars.” 

What Does This Mean for The WRC?

Pirelli has been the lone tire supplier for the WRC since 2021. With Perilli now leaving the championship it leaves a door open for other tire suppliers. Such as Michelin, MRF, or others. The WRC and FIA will have just over a year to get a new tire supplier. Although they will likely have the answer part way through the 2024 calendar. Whoever gets selected will be the supplier the WRC feels fits the series best. While also handling the many different conditions the WRC goes through. 

Who Could Replace Pirelli?

I’m not going to get too deep into who could replace Pirelli in this article. However, there will be an article about this exact subject. Will be coming out in a couple of days right here on Speed Trap Magazine.