Hyundai Motorsport announced today that Oliver Solberg will not be at the driver line-up next year, but he will continue competing with the i20N Rally1 until the end of 2022.
The Swede driver started his WRC debut in 2021 driving a Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC of the private team 2C Competition while Hyundai decided to give him a chance in 2022 and offered him a partial programme for this season.
So far, Solberg has participated in seven events from which he had three DNFs and restarted once under the regulations of Rally 2, but he managed to achieve his best personnel result in Belgium as he finished fourth overall there.
Last but not least, his teammate Thierry Neuville stated two days ago that Solberg should drive the fourth i20N Rally1 in 2023 with the view of his getting more experience. Also, the Belgian was the opinion that Hyundai should focus on securing a more experienced and consistent driver for 2023.
"It’s been very nice of them to have been open with me during this process", Solberg said.
"I know it wasn’t an easy call for them to make since the plan has changed.
"I remain grateful for this first opportunity that they have offered me in the WRC.
"We knew that this season would be one of learning, of which we have done a lot, and it will undoubtedly be valuable experience for me in the next stage of my career.
"I will remain committed in my duties to the team for the rest of the year and send my thanks to everyone at Alzenau and on the rallies for their support.
"We will be ending this chapter on good terms, and I’ll always wish them well".
On the other hand, Julien Moncet said: "Oliver has been a great asset to our team this season, showing himself to be resilient and eager to learn.
"However, we have seen the benefits of having an experienced and consistent crew at the wheel of our car.
"This will be our focus for our 2023 line-up.
"Oliver will remain with us until the end of the year, joining for the pre-event recce in Japan, as well as other activities.
"We wish him the very best for the future.
"In the World Rally Championship, you never know when paths may cross again.
"We end this particular phase of the relationship on good terms and know that Oliver will find the right next step for his career".
Photo Credits: Hyundai
Post a Comment