Solberg says WRC Hyundai car switch "easier" than expected
Oliver Solberg has said making the switch to a World Rally Car was "easier" than he expected, following his first test ahead of his Arctic Rally debut in the class
The Swede experienced Hyundai Motorsport's i20 Coupe WRC for the first time at a test in Finland on Sunday, after confirmation came last week of his top tier WRC debut this month.
Solberg spent the best part of a day driving the supermini ahead of the Arctic Finland Rally later this month.
He should have been joined by regular co-driver Aaron Johnston at the test near Rovaniemi, but COVID-19 travel restrictions meant the Ulsterman could not make it to the venue in time.
The vacant seat was filled by Martin Järveoja, who won the 2019 WRC crown with Ott Tanak.
The promising 19-year-old also completed a number of runs in the darkness, simulating the conditions he can expect on the night stages of the rally.
For these, Andrea Adamo - the Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport - sat alongside him.
"I think the car was actually a bit more straightforward - a bit easier to drive - than I thought it would be," revealed Solberg.
"What amazed me was the grip in the higher-speed corners.
"The aero is incredible. That combined with the work the centre differential is doing - this car is just unbelievable.
"We went through the suspension and differential set-ups and we found some really good stuff.
"It would have been nice to have some really higher-speed corners on the test road, just to find out what is possible in the full speed [sections].
"I want to understand more from this fantastic car. I want to try some sixth-gear corners. I want to have fun. And I want to keep smiling.
"It was a real honour to have Andrea in the car with me for some runs in the dark at the end of the day. It was very cool and a great way to end an unbelievable day.
"I must say a big thank you to Andrea - and to every single person in Hyundai Motorsport - for making this car, and for making this dream come true for me."
Solberg will use what time he has leading up to round two of the 2021 season to analyse data collected from last weekend's pre-event test.
"As well as the driving, it was fantastic talking to the engineers and the mechanics and everybody at the team - they are a really nice bunch of people," he added.
"They are so motivated and so cool."
Rovanpera targeting WRC Arctic Rally Finland victory bid
Rallycross and DTM title winner Ekstrom to contest WRC Arctic Rally Finland
Ogier wants to stay in Toyota fold after full-time WRC career ends
Ogier wants to stay in Toyota fold after full-time WRC career ends Ogier wants to stay in Toyota fold after full-time WRC career ends
Tanak has "feeling of anticipation" for remainder of WRC season
Tanak has "feeling of anticipation" for remainder of WRC season Tanak has "feeling of anticipation" for remainder of WRC season
Why the success of AVB's WRC debut won't be defined on the stages
Why the success of AVB's WRC debut won't be defined on the stages Why the success of AVB's WRC debut won't be defined on the stages
Oliver Solberg to make top class WRC debut at Arctic Rally Finland
Oliver Solberg to make top class WRC debut at Arctic Rally Finland Oliver Solberg to make top class WRC debut at Arctic Rally Finland
Oliver Solberg joins Hyundai on two-year deal, will race WRC2 in 2021
Oliver Solberg joins Hyundai on two-year deal, will race WRC2 in 2021 Oliver Solberg joins Hyundai on two-year deal, will race WRC2 in 2021
Solberg: why Kubica will star in rallying
Solberg: why Kubica will star in rallying Solberg: why Kubica will star in rallying
Argentina race could still be added to 2024 IndyCar schedule
Argentina race could still be added to 2024 IndyCar schedule Argentina race could still be added to 2024 IndyCar schedule
Aston Martin: Alonso’s F1 radio comments not a sign he’s losing faith in team
Aston Martin: Alonso’s F1 radio comments not a sign he’s losing faith in team Aston Martin: Alonso’s F1 radio comments not a sign he’s losing faith in team
Evans: Catching WRC title favourite Rovanpera is “not impossible”
Evans: Catching WRC title favourite Rovanpera is “not impossible” Evans: Catching WRC title favourite Rovanpera is “not impossible”
Why de Vries has bought into Mahindra’s Formula E vision
Why de Vries has bought into Mahindra’s Formula E vision Why de Vries has bought into Mahindra’s Formula E vision
How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg
How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg
How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland
How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland
How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination
How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination
How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout
How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout
The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought
The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought
How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal
How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal
How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough
How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.