By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
    Leapmotor presents its range at Automobile Barcelona, Spain
    May 14, 2025
    Alfa Romeo sporting glory dominates “Fuori Concorso”
    May 13, 2025
    Market Art Fair Stockholm and BMW Sweden present Gregor Hildebrandt as artist for BMW Art Commission 2025
    May 13, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Toyota Mobility Foundation announces five finalists for $3 million Venice Sustainable Cities Challenge
    May 29, 2025
    Mazda Production and Sales Results for April 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Nissan production, sales, and exports for April 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Honda Production, Sales and Export Results for April, 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Škoda Auto marks 55 years since production of the Skopak began in Pakistan
    May 29, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
    Sourcing Guide Right-Hand Drive American SUVs and Pickup Trucks in Africa
    April 29, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    SEAT S.A. moves towards electric car production in Martorell
    May 29, 2025
    Polestar 3 wins Best EV SUV and Luxury Car of the Year awards
    May 29, 2025
    All-New Nissan MICRA EV debuts ahead of European launch
    May 28, 2025
    BMW Group and Solid Power are testing all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7
    May 20, 2025
    Toyota Debuts Stylish, Powerful 2026 C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle
    May 18, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    43rd Rally Due Valli: Lancia Ignites Verona with a High-Tension Challenge
    May 29, 2025
    Lærke Rønn, Alexia Danielsson, Rasmus Vendelbo, Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia, 2025, Porsche AG
    The schoolgirl who’s just won her debut GT race
    May 28, 2025
    Porsche with new qualifying record and ongoing points streak ahead of China
    May 28, 2025
    Nissan Formula E Team looking to reinforce championship lead in Shanghai
    May 28, 2025
    Opel Mokka GSE Rally: A New Star in Electric Rallying
    May 28, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    MAN development team for autonomous driving is ‘Engineering Team of the Year’
    May 29, 2025
    Scania to start deliveries of new electric buses to northern Sweden
    May 29, 2025
    From left to right: Jens Böther, Regional Council; Nikolas Wenzel, Managing Director of MOIN; Claudia Kalisch, Mayor of Lüneburg; Alex Meier, Depot Manager; Nils Richert, Daimler Buses
    Daimler Buses builds a completely new electric bus depot for a customer for the first time
    May 28, 2025
    600 km range and superfast charging – meet Volvo’s new electric truck
    May 20, 2025
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 on a long-haul route of over 1,500 kilometers
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 
    May 18, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    GR Supra pushes performance limits with A90 Final Edition and Lightweight EVO
    May 28, 2025
    The new BMW M2 CS
    May 28, 2025
    Defender upgraded: The unstoppable 4×4 is now even more distinctive 
    May 28, 2025
    From vision to Veyron: the evolution of a Bugatti icon
    May 17, 2025
    The new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series
    May 13, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    VNC Automotive Partners with P3 to Enhance the SPARQ OS Platform
    May 29, 2025
    Artificial intelligence: Audi boosts production efficiency
    May 28, 2025
    Greater efficiency and productivity with artificial intelligence – generative AI in BMW Group Purchasing
    May 19, 2025
    Aston Martin debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra for iPhone users
    May 16, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can now purchase and pay for e-Vignettes directly from their vehicle
    May 15, 2025
Hot News
SEAT S.A. moves towards electric car production in Martorell
Toyota Mobility Foundation announces five finalists for $3 million Venice Sustainable Cities Challenge
43rd Rally Due Valli: Lancia Ignites Verona with a High-Tension Challenge
Polestar 3 wins Best EV SUV and Luxury Car of the Year awards
Mazda Production and Sales Results for April 2025
Latest News

Nissan South Africa Powers Spirit of Africa’s 20th year of adventure

Latest News

FORD REVEALS NEXT-GENERATION NUGGET CAMPER VAN

Motosport

Shimoda Opens 2025 Season With 250SX West Win

Latest News

Automobili Lamborghini continues upward trend in Q1 2023

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Motosport

Rally Sweden: Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver Oliver Solberg kicks off WRC2 campaign

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: February 14, 2024 12:44
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
721 Views
6 Min Read
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE
  • Toksport WRT crew Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) aims to repeat last year’s WRC2 victory at the only full snow event of the FIA World Rally Championship
  • Finns Lauri Joona/Janni Hussi (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) are also among the favourites for a top result
  • Among the 20 crews fighting for WRC2 glory at Rally Sweden, nine rely on a Škoda Fabia

After the mostly dry tarmac roads of Rallye Monte-Carlo, the winterly forest roads of Rally Sweden (15-18 February) are next. The second round of the FIA World Rally Championship season marks the start of the WRC2 campaign for Oliver Solberg (SWE) and co-driver Elliott Edmondson (GBR) of Škoda Motorsport supported team Toksport WRT. Their clear target is to repeat last year’s category victory.

Among the 20 cars from five manufacturers entered into the WRC2 category are nine Škoda Fabia. Heading this group are last year’s WRC2 winners Oliver Solberg from Sweden and co-driver Elliott Edmondson sharing a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 of Škoda Motorsport supported team Toksport WRT. “The competition will be even stronger than last year. But I have the right car to fight again for the victory on this phantastic snow tracks”, Solberg looks ahead.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

Yohan Rossel and Mapo Motorsport’s Pepe López (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2), first and second in WRC2 at Rallye Monte-Carlo, decided to not include Rally Sweden into their WRC2 campaign, which by regulations is restricted to seven events out of the 13 rallies of the season.

In the past, the WRC2 winners at Rally Sweden mostly came from Northern Europe. This history puts local heroes Isak Reiersen/Lucas Karlsson, Finnish crew Lauri Joona/Janni Hussi and Gregor Jeets/Timo Taniel from Estonia – all with Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 – among the most promising candidates for a points scoring position.

But the unique conditions of the WRC’s only full snow event are not stopping Škoda crews from other parts of the world to enjoy the upcoming event, albeit not all of them are entered into WRC2. Fabrizio Zaldivar from Paraguay faces the challenge with Argentinean co-driver Marcelo Der Ohannesian. As well a regular at Rally Sweden, Rakan Al-Rashed from Saudi Arabia is supported by Portuguese navigator Hugo Magalhães. Drivers Alejandro Mauro and Ricardo Triviño both travel from Mexico to Sweden. All these competitors are relying on rally cars from Škoda.

Since 2022, Rally Sweden is based in Umeå at the shores of the Baltic Sea. The second round of the 2024 WRC season kicks off on Thursday evening (15 February) with a 5.16 kilometres show stage at the famous Red Barn Arena close to the city. On Friday (16 February), the teams will tackle another seven special stages. On Saturday (17 February), another seven special stages will follow before the final three special stages close the event on Sunday (18 February). In total, the 18 stages cover 301.76 kilometres.

Did you know, that…

…a forerunner to Rally Sweden was held for the first time in 1950, but in mid-summer? Originally, it carried the name “Rally to the Midnight Sun” and has only been moved to its now traditional winter date in 1965.

…the cars run on tyres, which in the WRC are exclusively used at Rally Sweden? The Pirelli tyres of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 are equipped with 384 Tungsten made studs each. The figure is due to the regulations which state a maximum of 20 studs per square decimetre of the tyres’ surface. The length of the studs may not exceed 20mm for a weight of 4 grams. Their shape must be cylindrical and they must be inserted from the outside.

…during Rally Sweden in WRC’s inaugural season 1973, only winter tyres without studs were allowed? Swedish local hero and occasional Škoda factory driver Stig Blomqvist celebrated victory despite a loss of ten minutes early on due to a problem with the fuel pump?

…Pavel Sibera/Petr Gross won class A5 in 1993 with a Škoda Favorit 136L?

Top 3 WRC2/Drivers (after 1 of 13 rallies)
1 Yohan Rossel (FRA), Citroën, 25 points
2 Pepe López (ESP), Škoda, 18 points
3 Nikolay Gryazin (BGR), Citroën, 15 points

Top 3 WRC2 Challenger (after 1 of 13 rallies)
1 Pepe López (ESP), Škoda, 25 points
2 Nikolay Gryazin (BGR), Citroën, 18 points
3 Nicolas Ciamin (FRA), Hyundai, 15 points

Top 3 WRC Masters Cup (after 1 of 13 rallies)
1 Mauro Miele (ITA), Škoda, 25 points
2 Eamonn Boland (IRL), Ford, 18 points
3 Jourdan Serdiridis (GRC), VW, 15 points

2024 FIA World Rally Championship

Rallye Monte-Carlo 25-28 January
Rally Sweden15-18 February
Safari Rally Kenya 28-31 March
Croatia Rally18-21 April
Rally de Portugal9-12 May
Rally Italia Sardegna30 May-2 June
Rally Poland27-30 June
Rally Latvia18-21 July
Rally Finland1-4 August
Acropolis Rally Greece5-8 September
Rally Chile26-29 September
Central European Rally (CZE/AUT/DEU)31 October – 3 November
Rally Japan 21-24 November
TAGGED:Elliott EdmondsonFIA World Rally ChampionshipFinns Lauri JoonaJanni HussiOliver SolbergRally SwedenRallye Monte-CarloŠkoda FabiaŠkoda Fabia RS Rally2Škoda MotorsportToksport WRTWRC

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Motosport

Hyundai stays on top with victory in Rally Sweden

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 20, 2024
Motosport

Rally de Portugal: Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja secured a redemptive second place after a brilliant weekend drive

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
May 19, 2025
Motosport

Thrilling TOYOTA GAZOO Racing one-two on Swedish snow

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 16, 2025
Motosport

Finland return confirmed for FIA Junior WRC

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
October 24, 2023

Preview: Safari Rally Kenya

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 20, 2025
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing finishes strongly on Swedish snow

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 20, 2024

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner