Two members of one of rallying’s most famous dynasties will face off for FIA European Rally Championship glory in Sweden this week 13 – 15 June when they join a star-studded field for the ultimate father-versus-son battle.
Petter Solberg, the winner of the FIA World Rally Championship in 2003 and two-time FIA World Rallycross champion, is taking on his hugely talented son Oliver over BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia’s fast-paced gravel stages located a short distance from the family home.
Solberg Jr, 22, won the first running of BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia in 2023 and is a frontrunner in the WRC2 category behind the wheel of a Pirelli-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. His father Petter, 49, hasn’t rallied at international level since 2019 but the Norwegian remains one of the sport’s greatest performers.
“This will be something really fun for us,” said Solberg Sr, who will be at the wheel of the same Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 his son used to win in Karlstad last July.
“It’s so nice for the fans and for our families to come and watch this one.
“The car hasn’t changed at all since Oliver used it to win last year. It’s just been sitting there for the last 12 months.”
With three ERC victories and the Rally2-based Junior ERC title from 2020 to his name, Oliver Solberg is a favourite to challenge for the outright win – and the family bragging rights.
“I can’t wait,” the Swede said. “We’re talking a lot about this battle, who is going to win between my father and me and all of that is very nice – but the main thing is that I’m just super-happy to be out there racing against him again. There’s something very special to be at a stage start and for us to be pulling on our crash helmets and driving gloves.”
The Safedrive-backed Solbergs are among 23 drivers competing in a top-of-the-range Rally2 car on BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia. Defending ERC champion Hayden Paddon tops the entry aboard his Pirelli-shod Hyundai i20 N Rally2 followed by 2022 title winner Efrén Llarena, who pilots a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 for Team MRF Tyres.
