Rally Sweden 2026, SS1: Solberg early leader at home

In the spectacular and unique setting of Rally Sweden, which as usual takes place on icy and snowy routes, Umeå was the venue for the shakedown and the first special stage, which kicked off the second round of the world championship after Monte Carlo. While waiting for the next rounds that will further ignite the challenge between the drivers, Thursday ended with the leadership held by Oliver Solberg, who after the victory achieved in the second half of January in the Principality will aim to extend his lead in the standings over his pursuers.

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Shakedown and first stage

The Scandinavian rally officially began at noon with the shakedown, at the end of which a Hyundai one-two was established by Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, with the 2024 world champion setting the fastest time in the combined standings, not valid for the general one. The first stage instead took place at 19:00, with the drivers consequently tackling the route at night and in extreme temperatures. The fastest after the first 10 km was in this case the home hero Oliver Solberg, who in 5:53:01 confirmed his form in this initial phase of the championship by establishing a lead of almost four seconds over Elfyn Evans, in an SS1 dominated by Toyota. The Japanese manufacturer is in fact present in the top four positions thanks to Katsuta’s 3rd place and Pajari’s 4th, in an entry list that does not include the reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier, also a part-time participant in the world championship this year. Lancia was also absent in WRC2, with Lorenzo Bertelli the fastest among the Italians at the wheel of the Toyota with the 10th time. Following then is the first top-10 while waiting for the seven stages scheduled for tomorrow, with live coverage all available on Rally.tv.

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Rally Sweden 2026, standings after SS1 (Top-10)