The 2025 Delfi Rally Estonia is shaping up to deliver one of the most memorable moments of the WRC season. Oliver Solberg has seized control of the rally and now stands just three stages away from a potentially historic victory in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 debut.
Solberg’s Commanding Run in Estonia
The 23-year-old Swede has led from the opening stages and extended his advantage to 21.1 seconds on Saturday. With four more stage wins and consistent pace across 125 kilometers, Solberg looks increasingly confident behind the wheel. His performance has been as smooth as it’s been fast.
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Delivers Confidence
Overnight changes to the car setup gave Solberg extra grip and balance. He used it to his advantage by setting three fastest times in the morning. During the afternoon stages, he wisely focused on control rather than pure speed, managing his lead without taking unnecessary risks.
Focus and Composure Under Pressure
Despite pressure from top-tier rivals, including multiple world champions, Solberg maintained focus. “It’s been an amazing day,” he said. “Really consistent speed, no mistakes. I’m just doing my thing and trying to be clean and fast.”
Title-Winning Talent in Hot Pursuit
Three WRC champions are right behind. Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville traded second place all day, with Tänak finishing 4.0 seconds ahead of his Hyundai teammate. Tänak could’ve been closer to Solberg, but a stall in the opening stage cost him valuable time.
Rovanperä and Fourmaux Struggle to Keep Pace
Kalle Rovanperä, a two-time Delfi Rally Estonia winner, currently sits fourth. Although fast, he admitted he couldn’t match the leaders. Adrien Fourmaux moved up to fifth, overtaking Takamoto Katsuta, who now holds sixth. Katsuta experienced car issues during the day.
A Look at the Saturday Standings
Here’s how the leaderboard looks after Saturday’s 17 stages:
Top 6 Standings after SS17 of 20
- O. Solberg / E. Edmondson (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – 2h 08m 05.4s
- O. Tänak / M. Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +21.1s
- T. Neuville / M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +25.1s
- K. Rovanperä / J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +51.6s
- A. Fourmaux / A. Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +1m 08.2s
- T. Katsuta / A. Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +1m 16.8s
Sunday Finale with Power Stage Drama
Sunday’s finale features three stages and just over 60 kilometers of competition. The action begins in Hellenurme, followed by two runs of Kääriku. The final stage doubles as the Wolf Power Stage, where bonus points are up for grabs.
Summary
As the final day of the 2025 Delfi Rally Estonia approaches, all eyes are on Oliver Solberg. Can he hold his nerve and join an elite group of debut winners in WRC’s top tier? With world champions breathing down his neck, the final stages promise unmatched drama and high-stakes action.
Disclaimer: All rally standings and timing are subject to official confirmation and final results.
Source: WRC
