Young stars a world apart in 2022 WRC

| Photographer Credit: Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

They are two young rally drivers only 12 months apart in age, but their careers are at almost polar opposites.

Both drivers are sons of successful World Rally Championship drivers, and both have contracts with factory teams in the 2022 WRC.

At just 21, Finland’s Kalle Rovanpera has won five of the eight rallies held so far this season and looks a certainty to win his first world title.

Oliver Solberg (SWE) of team Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team – Photo: Red Bull Media

Twelve months younger, at 20 years old, Oliver Solberg has just destroyed his second Hyundai i20 Rally1 car of the season, and in dramatic fashion.

While Rovanpera, son of Harri, can do no wrong, Solberg’s career is at a crossroads as he battles to walk in the footsteps of his 2003 WRC title winning father, Petter.

On the very first corner of the very first forest stage at Secto Rally Finland, Solberg missed the apex to a fast left hander and rolled spectacularly out of the rally.

The car’s roll cage was damaged beyond repair and he was left as a spectator as his team-mate, Ott Tanak, surged to victory.

“I have no words to describe how I feel… Early in SS2 we lost the rear and rolled. I’m just devastated for the whole team who have worked so hard,” Solberg said afterwards.

“It’s a pretty tough time right now, but we just have to try and keep our heads up and come back stronger”

Things couldn’t have been more different for Rovanpera who, despite a big final day push, decided to back off and secure second place to boost his championship hopes.

It just goes to show how being in the right place at the right time can make a huge difference.

Both drivers were touted as future champions from a young age, and both moved through the lower ranks before contesting the WRC’s second tier class.

Rovanpera had more time in WRC2 than Solberg, which may prove to be beneficial, although it’s where they’re at now that may be more important.

The Finn is at Toyota, who’s Yaris Rally1 is taking all before it, while Sweden’s Solberg is, like his team-mates, struggling to master the i20’s skittish handling and unpredictability.

While one driver is looking to the future and clearing more room in his trophy cabinet, the other has been forced to go back to the drawing board and hope for better days for the remainder of 2022.

Peter has been the editor of RallySport Magazine since its inception in 1989, in both printed and online form. He is a long-time competitor, event organiser and official, as well as working in the media.

http://rallysportmag.com

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