Rallying Star Solberg Approaches Estonian Victory Peak

In the heart of Estonia, the World Rally Championship (WRC) is reaching its climax, with Swedish driver, the 23-year-old Kalle Solberg, leading the pack. Solberg, making a one-off appearance in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, extended his lead on Saturday, posting fastest times on three of the morning's four tests.

Solberg, however, shifted to risk management in the afternoon on stages around Otepaä and Kanepi, ensuring he maintains a 21-second lead going into Sunday's three-stage finale. This decisive victory would result in him joining an exclusive group of drivers to win on their debut with a new team at rallying's top level.

Behind Solberg, three world champions are lining up for the fight. 2019 title-winner Ott Tänak is leading the charge, closely followed by team-mate Thierry Neuville in a fierce duel for the runner-up spot. Kalle Rovanpera, a three-time Delfi Rally Estonia winner and the WRC champion for 2022 and 2023, ended the day in fourth.

Adrien Fourmaux climbed to fifth after overtaking Takamoto Katsuta early on Saturday. Katsuta now holds sixth place, with a 13.6-second lead over Elfyn Evans, who is in seventh. Solberg's teammate, Sami Pajari, continues to hold eighth place in his Toyota, comfortably ahead of the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1s of Mārtinš Sesks and Josh McErlean, who complete the top 10.

Rovanpera admitted he was struggling to match the leaders' pace, while Tymek Abramowski, a Polish teenager, retired from a comfortable lead in the ERC3 category due to a mechanical failure. Robert Virves continues to lead in the WRC2 category in his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

The second run of Kääriku hosts the rally-ending Wolf Power Stage, where bonus championship points will be awarded. The stage is significant, as it was the scene of Solberg's four additional stage wins on Saturday, increasing his lead over the competition. Overnight changes to the set-up of Solberg's GR Yaris gave him renewed confidence, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the rally.

The deciding leg consists of just over 60 kilometers of competition, starting with the Hellenurme stage at 09:39 local time, followed by two passes of Kääriku. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. Who will emerge victorious in the heart of Estonia? Tune in to find out.