Oliver Solberg, the rising star of rally racing from Sweden, is preparing for the upcoming Swedish Rally following a triumphant season opener in Monte Carlo. Speaking from his home in Mitandersfors, Solberg highlighted his enthusiasm for this event, referring to it as his favorite competition. He is particularly eager to drive on snow, which he enjoys the most. The rally is set to start with a shakedown in Umeå, followed by the first stage on Thursday evening, concluding at Red Barn Arena.

Despite his excitement, Solberg has expressed concerns over starting first on the road during Friday's stage. This position can pose significant challenges, particularly in winter conditions where fresh snow may affect visibility and traction. Given the naturally varying winter road conditions in Sweden, these concerns are compounded by his preparation and expectations following a successful run in Monte Carlo, where he took home the win.

With three consecutive victories in the WRC 2 class at the Swedish Rally, Solberg is now stepping up to compete in the top WRC category for the first time since his 2022 debut, where he finished sixth in a Hyundai. The pressure is on for this young talent, who aims to balance competitive aspirations with the joy of driving. Solberg's optimistic approach as he prepares for the 2026 edition of the rally reflects his desire to simply enjoy the sport, despite the high expectations from fans and critics alike.