Silly Season 2026

[Rallyper]

It's a bit strong to extrapolate a WDC from one (amazing) win in Estonia.

Of course Solberg is much better, but it's a bit like all the hype about Sesks after his first Rally1 drives.

Don´t agree. Which driver did you see have done like Oliver did, before? I´ve been in this game for more than five decades, so you must remind me.

[flat_right]

Don´t agree. Which driver did you see have done like Oliver did, before? I´ve been in this game for more than five decades, so you must remind me.

It was special for sure, but if we’re being completely honest…

Oliver Solberg: won his first WRC event on his 13th start with a WRC car
Esapekka Lappi: 4th outing
Sébastien Loeb: 10th outing
Juha Kankkunen: 8th outing

I don’t know the older history so from older times I don't know.

[WRCStan]

It was special for sure, but if we’re being completely honest…

Oliver Solberg: won his first WRC event on his 13th start with a WRC car
Esapekka Lappi: 4th outing
Sébastien Loeb: 10th outing
Juha Kankkunen: 8th outing

I don’t know the older history so from older times I don't know.

All of those also drove, but never won, in a Hyundai. Just saying.

I think Per has Swedish glasses on saying he can beat Ogier in every event next season, but agree he is a potential future champion. In fact, it was me and Per getting grief here for saying we'd pick him for Rally1 where budget was not an issue. I suppose everybody dishing that grief will credit stepping back to WRC2 helped him win Estonia.

[macebig]

The Accent was never a realistic challenger for a rally win and Juha was well past his prime in 2002.

[flat_right]

All of those also drove, but never won, in a Hyundai. Just saying.

I think Per has Swedish glasses on saying he can beat Ogier in every event next season, but agree he is a potential future champion. In fact, it was me and Per getting grief here for saying we'd pick him for Rally1 where budget was not an issue. I suppose everybody dishing that grief will credit stepping back to WRC2 helped him win Estonia.

WRC is all about experience. I really don’t think that if Oliver had joined Toyota in 2021, he would have won in fewer starts than he actually did. Kalle won in his 14th start, and I consider him slightly more talented than Oliver.

[WRCStan]

I really don’t think that if Oliver had joined Toyota in 2021, he would have won in fewer starts than he actually did.

Me neither, I don't think necessarily if he was driving for Toyota manufacturers in Estonia he would have won. It's all pointless comparisons.