The Royal Rally of Scandinavia is an exciting new event that takes place on the renowned roads that were once part of Rally Sweden. Previously based in the Varmland region around Karlstad, Rally Sweden has now moved to Umea in 2022. The route of the Royal Rally of Scandinavia includes the iconic Colin’s Crest, named after the late 1995 world rally champion, Colin McRae. With 47 entries, the rally is set to be an exhilarating experience, particularly for the Solberg family, who will be competing on their home turf.
A Multigenerational Rally
Among the participants in the Royal Rally of Scandinavia is 21-year-old Oliver Solberg, who will be taking on his first ERC event of the season. He will be driving the Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, the same car he used in the championship in 2019 and 2020. Accompanying Oliver on the Ängebäckstorp test on Friday and the Collins stage on Saturday will be five other members of the Solberg family. Oliver’s father, Petter Solberg, who was the world rally champion in 2003, will be driving a family-owned Citroen C4 WRC. Petter will be joined in the co-driver seat by his mother, Tove. Also joining the rally is Oliver’s mother, Pernilla Solberg, who used to compete in the WRC during the 1990s. Pernilla will be driving the Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, which she previously drove to success in the 2000 WRC. Her co-driver from that period, Ulrika Mattsson, will once again be by her side. Completing the Solberg contingent is Henning Solberg, Oliver’s former uncle and a WRC competitor from 1998 to 2019. Henning and his wife, Maud, will be driving a Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD owned by Petter.
A Special Week for the Solbergs
Petter Solberg expressed his excitement for the upcoming rally, particularly for the opportunity to drive alongside his mother. He highlighted her impressive driving skills, having won numerous Norwegian Autocross titles. Petter, at the age of 72, anticipates receiving some valuable advice from his mother when they take the start line. The Solbergs are fully supportive of the plans for the Royal Rally of Scandinavia, recognizing its significance for the Värmland region. After a couple of years without Rally Sweden in the area, the return of rallying at such a high level is of great importance. Additionally, the rally holds personal significance for the Solberg family as it allows them to showcase their passion to their extended family, friends, and partners. Petter expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share their lifelong commitment with their loved ones.
Pernilla Solberg, reflecting on her past rallying experiences, expressed her excitement at being reunited with Ulrika Mattsson after such a long time. They had shared incredible moments together in the past, and the opportunity to start a stage together again is truly special. Pernilla also noted the unusual experience of driving these roads in the summer. The absence of snow and the sight of people wearing t-shirts and shorts at iconic locations like the Vargåsen stage will be a strange but enjoyable experience.
The Royal Rally of Scandinavia promises to be a thrilling event, featuring both famous rally roads and a multigenerational Solberg family reunion. The Solbergs, with their impressive rally pedigree, are eagerly looking forward to showcasing their skills and passion on home soil. As the rally brings back the excitement of rallying to the Värmland region, it also provides the Solbergs with a unique opportunity to share their lifelong commitment to the sport with their loved ones.
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