Solberg takes overnight lead after tricky opening day of WRC Rallye Monte Carlo
22nd January 2026Toyota’s Oliver Solberg took over the rally lead of the World Rally Championship’s Rallye Monte Carlo, after a tricky day for the teams and drivers.
Feature image credit: @World // Red Bull Content Pool
On Thursday, the WRC ignited back into action following the conclusion of the 2025 season in November, with the traditional curtain raiser, Rallye Monte Carlo, hosted in Gap, France.
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans took the early lead as he claimed the opening stage win of the season, beating Solberg and nine-time world champion, Sebastien Ogier. A different range of tyre strategies, with some opting for all studs, or a mix of studs, winter and/or supersoft tyres.
However, it was all stations for the stud tyres on SS2 as the crews tackled icy and snowy conditions. Many crews struggled to find the grip to compete competitively, with many complaining about the conditions, including the seemingly nonexistent grip levels.
Amongst the chaos, it allowed Solberg to put in a storming time to go to the top of the timing boards and stand as the rally leader of Monte Carlo.
The final stage of the day did not get any better for the crews as it was eventually red-flagged, and then cancelled, due to extremely low visibility thanks to heavy fog which had rolled in. Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmax and M-Sport’s Jon Armstrong were drivers who went off the road in the difficult conditions.
Despite the trickiest of conditions to open up the season, Solberg retained his rally lead after the first day of action in the 2026 season, ahead of Evans and Ogier, who occupied second and third, respectively.
However, due to the red flag, Armstrong will likely retain third place with a nominal time expected to be given, similarly to Hyundai’s Hayden Paddon.
*We will confirm who stands where once the race control confirms the overall timing in due course.
Read more WRC here:
- Elfyn Evans takes Monte Carlo lead after opening WRC stage
- Katsuta sets first top time of 2026 WRC season in Monte Shakedown
- Entry list: who will compete in WRC Rally Monte Carlo 2026?
- Toyota Gazoo Racing reverts team name in 2026
- 3 winners and losers of the 2025 WRC season
- FIA confirm new WRC constructor for 2027
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