Oliver Solberg has made the perfect start to the final showdown for the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship title, setting the fastest time on Thursday evening’s opening stage at Rally Italia Sardegna.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver completed the short 2.08 kilometre Ittiri Arena Show in 2min 01.4 sec, taking an early 0.8 second advantage over team-mate and nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier.
Championship leader Elfyn Evans completed a Toyota top three, finishing just 1.1 seconds behind Solberg as the three title contenders prepare for a much tougher challenge when the rally moves onto Sardinia’s gravel roads.
Solberg arrived on the island 21 points behind Evans, knowing that he needs a huge points haul from the season finale to have any chance of claiming his maiden world title. With a maximum of 35 points available this weekend, every stage could prove crucial.
Evans, who leads Sami Pajari by 17 points and Solberg by 21, was fourth fastest overall in the opening test and won his head-to-head battle against Pajari by 0.4 seconds. Despite holding the advantage in the championship, the Welshman knows that simply managing his rivals will not be enough on Sardinia’s demanding gravel.
Friday will see Evans open the road, meaning he faces the difficult task of sweeping loose gravel from the surface while those behind benefit from a cleaner racing line.
Pajari finished fourth overall, 1.5 seconds away from Solberg, keeping himself firmly within reach at the beginning of what promises to be a tense championship finale.
Standings at the end of Thursday
