Oliver Solberg delivered a composed drive through the demanding Rally Chile BIOBÍO on Sunday, securing his third FIA World Rally Championship victory while Toyota GAZOO Racing wrapped up a record-equalling 10th manufacturers’ title.
The 24-year-old Swede and co-driver Elliott Edmondson completed the three-day rally 16.6 seconds ahead of nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, with Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux finishing third, 33.3 seconds behind the leader.
For Solberg, the result was a second WRC victory of 2026 following his season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo triumph. For Toyota, it was another major milestone in a championship campaign that continues to rewrite the record books.
Solberg Keeps His Head When the Pressure Rises
Solberg took the lead on Friday’s opening stage and, apart from briefly surrendering it to Elfyn Evans after SS2, remained in control throughout the rally.
The Chilean roads demanded more than outright speed. Constantly changing conditions, abrasive surfaces and difficult tyre management made every stage a test of concentration and mechanical sympathy.
Solberg’s advantage stood at 19.1 seconds over Evans heading into Sunday. The championship leader immediately applied pressure by winning the opening Carampangue test, reducing the gap to 13.2 seconds.
The response came on the first pass of BIOBÍO.
Solberg won the stage despite sustaining right-rear tyre damage, extending his advantage back to 14.5 seconds. It was the kind of moment that could have unsettled a driver chasing a major victory. Instead, Solberg stayed focused on the job.
Then the rally changed.
Evans’ Puncture Changes the Championship Picture
Evans appeared to be heading towards another important podium when disaster struck on the penultimate Carampangue stage.
The Welshman stopped to change a wheel, losing more than two minutes and dropping from second to fifth overall. The delay handed second place to Ogier and moved Fourmaux into third.
Solberg was suddenly 13.3 seconds clear of Ogier heading into the rally-ending Wolf Power Stage.
There was no easing off.
The Toyota driver went fastest again, beating Evans by 0.5 seconds to seal the victory in style.
“It’s been an unbelievable weekend. It’s been up and down, but the team always supported, always pushed, always believed.”
“Finally a little bit of luck was on my side, and I could just focus on my job and do my thing. The little details matter, and this weekend was a perfect, perfect weekend.”
Solberg said
That combination of pace, discipline and a little fortune made the difference in Chile.
Toyota Matches Lancia’s Historic Record
While Solberg celebrated his victory, Toyota secured its sixth consecutive WRC manufacturers’ championship.
The Japanese manufacturer arrived in Chile needing only seven points to mathematically confirm the title. With two rounds still remaining, it completed another dominant campaign and moved level with Lancia’s record of 10 manufacturers’ crowns.
Toyota’s current unbeaten run stretches back to 2021, matching Lancia’s six consecutive titles between 1987 and 1992.
Its wider WRC championship history began in 1993, followed by titles in 1994 and 1999. After returning to the championship in 2017, Toyota added another crown in 2018 before beginning its current run in 2021.
Toyota is now level with Lancia as the most successful manufacturer in WRC history.
Ogier and Fourmaux Take Their Chances
Ogier’s second-place finish added another landmark to an already remarkable career. The Frenchman recorded his 120th WRC podium, drawing level with fellow nine-time champion Sébastien Loeb.
Fourmaux claimed third for Hyundai, securing his 13th career WRC podium after another strong performance.
Sami Pajari inherited fourth, although the Finnish driver struggled to reproduce the pace that had carried him to three consecutive victories in Estonia, Finland and Paraguay.
Evans salvaged fifth and responded to the disappointment with the second-fastest time on the Wolf Power Stage, banking valuable bonus points.
“Obviously we tried to be as efficiently fast as we could. Of course it was looking pretty positive this morning, but these things happen. We keep at it.”
Evans said
Drivers’ Championship Goes Down to the Wire
Evans remains at the top of the drivers’ standings, but Rally Chile has significantly tightened the title race.
Solberg’s victory moved him to within 21 points of the championship lead, while Pajari sits just four points ahead of his Toyota teammate.
After round 12 of 14, the standings are:
- Elfyn Evans — 230 points
- Sami Pajari — 213 points
- Oliver Solberg — 209 points
The next round, Rally Italia Sardegna in October, could provide Evans with an opportunity to take a major step towards the title.
He would need to leave the penultimate round at least 36 points clear of every rival to guarantee the championship before the Saudi Arabia finale.
For now, the title fight remains wide open.
Solberg has shown that he can handle the pressure. Toyota has secured another manufacturers’ crown. And with two rallies still to run, the 2026 WRC season is heading towards a finish that promises plenty more drama.
