Solberg leads Toyota's Snow-Bound Sweep on day one of 2026 WRC Sweden

 

UMEÅ, Sweden – If anyone wondered whether Oliver Solberg could carry the weight of a nation – and a championship lead – onto the ice of Västerbotten, the answer roared through the Red Barn Arena on Thursday night.

Under the floodlights of the Umeå Sprint, amidst the biting cold and the scent of pyrotechnics, Solberg didn’t just start his home rally; he stamped his authority on it. 

Fresh from a fairytale victory in Monte Carlo, the 24-year-old wrestling his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 through the technical 5.16km opener to stop the clocks at 5m53.1s. It wasn't clean – the rear of the Yaris dancing a frantic jig on the polished ice – but it was fast. Fast enough to head a staggering Toyota 1-2-3-4 lockout that has left Hyundai scrambling for answers before the forests have even properly opened.

“The car was going in all directions. There was nothing to follow,” Solberg admitted at the stop line, his breath visible in the cabin. “It was really tricky and required a lot of grip… not easy, but good enough.”

It was more than good enough. It was a statement.

Elfyn Evans, ever the pragmatist, slotted into second, 3.8 seconds adrift. The Welshman, currently chasing his young teammate in the standings, opted for a "cautious" approach on the rutted surface, wary of the biting snowbanks that claimed M-Sport’s Jon Armstrong. Armstrong, making his Rally1 debut on snow, found the white stuff early, burying the nose of his Puma and hemorrhaging 45 seconds – a cruel welcome to the top flight.

Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari rounded out the Toyota quartet, leaving Thierry Neuville as the lead Hyundai in fifth, 6.7 seconds back. The reigning world champion looked ill-at-ease, braking early and fighting a lack of feeling that has plagued the i20 N on these openers before. 

“I’m braking super, super early all the time,” Neuville grimaced. “I just don’t know if the car will stop.”

For the returning Esapekka Lappi, seventh was a quiet start to a mission of rehabilitation, but tonight belonged to Solberg. The Prince of Värmland has come home, and he’s in no mood to share the throne.

Rally Sweden Leaderboard (After SS1)

Pos	Driver	Car	Time	Gap
1	Oliver Solberg	Toyota GR Yaris Rally1	5:53.1	–
2	Elfyn Evans	Toyota GR Yaris Rally1	5:56.9	+3.8s
3	Takamoto Katsuta	Toyota GR Yaris Rally1	5:57.5	+4.4s
4	Sami Pajari	Toyota GR Yaris Rally1	5:58.7	+5.6s
5	Thierry Neuville	Hyundai i20 N Rally1	5:59.8	+6.7s

The Blue Fade: Is Subaru’s Love Affair With Rallying in the USA, Running Out of Road?

 

Though not on the 2026 ARA Rally Championship calendar, the burble of Subaru's flat-four engine on the limiter still echoes on the iconic rally stages like Oregon Trail’s “Boyd Loop” and New England Forest’s “Concord Pond”. For three decades, Subaru has played a crucial role in rallying, drawing fans to its Impreza WRX and STI models and dominating with drivers like Ari Vatanen, Colin McRae, and Richard Burns on the WRC stage. 

Now Subaru Motorsports USA—run by Vermont SportsCar—is shifting focus from Open 4WD to the Limited 4WD class in 2026, potentially signaling a slow withdrawal from top-tier rally competition and possibly a full withdrawal. 

To truly appreciate the seriousness of the current moment, it's important to consider the events that led us here. When the World Rally Team (SWRT) withdrew from the WRC in 2008. Subaru Rally Team USA stepped up, carrying on the legacy Subaru. 

From the days of SCCA ProRally, through the Rally America period, and into the ARA era, Subaru USA established itself as a dominant force. They didn't merely participate; they set the standard and established themselves as the sole manufacturer consistently supporting American stage rally through its many series changes.

As WRC shifted towards small-displacement hatchbacks, the American scene preserved the spirit of the iconic, large-winged, wide-body sedan. Led by VSC and with the star power of Travis Pastrana, Ken Block, and David Higgins, Subaru reached a broader U.S. audience—many of whom grew up on NASCAR.

But building icons require continued annual investment. And investment requires a "business case."

The shift to L4WD for 2026 is, on the surface, a move toward, in a way. The sidelined Open 4WD car is a magnificent beast—a $500,000+ engineering marvel that shares more DNA with a fighter jet than a street-legal WRX. But here’s the rub: Subaru’s US sales numbers for the current WRX aren't exactly setting the world on fire.

In a market obsessed with three-row SUVs and electrification, the manual-transmission rally rep is becoming a niche within a niche. By moving to L4WD, Subaru is slashing costs and racing a car that is "closer to the customer." But in doing so, they lose the "wow factor" that made them the undisputed kings of the American Rally. If you aren't building the fastest car in the forest, are you still the "Subaru" we fell in love with?

 

There is a growing, cynical whisper in the service park: Is this the beginning of the end for Subaru in the USA? If sales don't rebound, and the competition (looking at you, Toyota) continues to squeeze the market, the bean counters in Tokyo might decide that a few “more” trophies in a American series aren't worth the millions in title sponsorship/development.

 

This brings us to the "Big One." The rumor that simply refuse to die: Subaru’s return to the WRC.

We’ve heard it all. We’ve heard that Mohammed Ben Sulayem is personally brokering a deal. We’ve heard that Akio Toyoda is willing to "lend" Subaru a Toyota engine to get around the fact that Subaru doesn’t currently have a WRC-compliant powerplant.

The Reality? It’s a beautiful dream, but the math is hard to make work.
The WRC is currently in a state of flux, debating its 2027 technical regulations. For Subaru to return, they would need a global platform—likely an EV or a hybrid crossover—that aligns with their corporate "green" goals. The current WRX sedan doesn't fit the Rally1 silhouette.

Unless the FIA creates a "Group Rally2 Plus" or a more affordable top-tier category that allows for a "spec" hybrid system, Subaru’s return remains a romantic fantasy. They are a "safety and lifestyle" brand now, more focused on National Parks than North One TV stages.

 

So, what does this mean for us the rally fan?

I beleive the L4WD move is essentially a defensive tactic. Vermont SportsCar maybe using it to keep operations running while the corporate office determines whether rallying continues to drive sales. 

It’s a classic "wait and see" approach.

With plenty of activity expected in ARA this year, I doubt Subaru will relinquish their lead without a fight. Travis and co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino have unparalleled knowledge of rallies and stages, but relying solely on them is a risky bet. Historically, when Subaru faced stiff competition, running two cars often contributed to their championship victories. Therefore, if Travis—and perhaps a second car—remain at the top and Subaru's sales stay steady, the program will endure.

However, if they end up stuck in the middle of the pack, outperformed by privateer Fords, Hyundai, Skoda Rally2 cars, and with Toyota joining the fray, then it becomes hard to justify maintaining a factory program.

A transition is underway as the "Open" era ends in the USA, with Rally2/RC2 set to lead the future. Hopefully, the "Blue Stars" stay competitive before the forest stages fade away, since it's difficult to picture USA Rally without a Subaru factory team.

Ultimately, rally enthusiasts are mainly drawn by the thrill of watching the quickest car in action. If challenges arise this year, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Subaru decided to bring out the Open car and perhaps enlist an experienced WRC driver who has been on the sidelines.

Report: Neil McDaid

Photos: Subaru Rally USA + Neil McDaid 

Lia Block’s Historic Sno*Drift Dream Slips Away in 2026 ARA Season Opener Chaos

 

Report: Neil McDaid 

Photo: Alex Gelsomino - FB

Atlanta, Michigan, the 2026 Sno Drift rally, the season opener for the American Rally Association (ARA), concluded with a heart-wrenching controversy and heartbreak for a rising star. What should have been a dream come true for 19-year-old Lia Block, daughter of rally legend Ken Block, ended in disqualification for receiving assistance from spectators during a time control. However, as the saying goes, “the rules are the rules.”

From the very first stage of this winter classic, Sno*Drift lived up to its reputation as America’s most treacherous and unpredictable rally. Held entirely on snow and ice across Michigan’s narrow, winding forest stages, where studded tires are prohibited by the State, this event has always been a test of grip and bravery. This year’s edition attracted a formidable and competitive national field, including seasoned National Champion Travis Pastrana and a host of private entries such as Patrick Gruszka, Alastair Scully, and WRC driver Sean Donnelly. All of them were contenders for a podium spot.

Block arrived in Atlanta with little fanfare compared to established ARA stars. Her entry in an Element Motorsport-prepared Ford Fiesta Rally3 was more of a curiosity than a headline act. With Alex Gelsomino in the co-driver seat, calling the notes, it was evident from the first stages that the former youngest ARA class champion was quickly getting a handle of the slippery conditions. After only four stages, she secured third overall and seemed poised for a podium finish. Heading into the final two stages on day one, Lia was third to Patrick Gruszka in his Hyundai i20 N Rally2. However, after passing through the final time control on SS6, Gruszka’s car lost all power, leading to his retirement and towing back to service. Patrick’s retirement moved Lia into second overall and past Sno Drift winner Mark Piatkowski into third.

Despite a few sketchy moments on the opening stages of day two, all was well in the Block camp. Lia kept the hard-charging Piatkowski at bay while keeping Pastrana in sight. However, things would take a dramatic turn as the final few stages of the rally approached. Veteran Subaru pilot Travis Pastrana, who was expected to cruise to another Sno*Drift victory, ran wide on a mid-day stage. This mistake resulted in a significant time loss, allowing Block to seize the overall lead. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression, with some strong advice undoubtedly coming from the co-driver seat. 

Block showcased the Rally3 Fiesta’s power and exploited its short wheel base traction, executing some spectacular corner entries. It’s possible that she learned some of these skills from her legendary father.

Lia and Alex entered the final stage with a commanding three-minute lead over Audi’s Javier Castro. History was on the verge of being made—not just a career-defining win, but an unprecedented one: the first overall ARA National win by a woman and the first rally victory for Rally3 machinery in the championship. However, fate, as it often does at Sno*Drift, had other plans.

Barely 100 meters from the finish line, Block’s Fiesta betrayed her. A timing belt failure sidelined her just shy of glory. In a dramatic turn of events, she and co-driver Alex Gelsomino pushed the car toward the finish control and then accepted a tow from fellow competitor Sean Donnelly. They crossed the line and were recorded, but at the cost of incurring outside assistance—a violation that would prove decisive.

Post-event scrutineering and protest hearings turned the rally on its head. Both Block and Castro, the Audi driver who had climbed to second amid the chaos, were excluded from the final results for receiving help to re-enter time controls from third parties. Scrutineers, enforcing strict ARA regulations on outside assistance, removed both from the classified finishers, promoting Subaru’s Mark Piatkowski—steady throughout and penalty-free—to the outright victory.

The fallout has sparked intense debate across social media and rally forums. Some argue that the enforcement of assistance rules adds an unavoidable harshness to stage rallying. Others contend that in a sport where competitor safety and strict timing integrity are paramount, the penalties—though harsh—were justified. What cannot be denied is the emotional rollercoaster: from the potential for a historic triumph to the sorrow of disqualification.

For Block, the weekend was far from a complete wash. Her pace, carved into the ice-slick stages with the confidence of a seasoned rally veteran, was not only bold but also consistent. Stage times placed her among the fastest drivers in the field, and she returns to the championship as a serious title contender.

However, that’s a mere comfort compared to what could have been. Sno*Drift is the crucible where legends are forged or shattered, and at the tender age of 19, Lia Block’s legend is just beginning to take shape. Amidst the snow-laden Michigan trees, she reignited the rally world’s faith in her talent, proving that even when winter attempts to extinguish her flame, her passion burns brightly.

Lia mentioned that she will make an exciting announcement shortly regarding a new car she will debut soon. It’s possible that the debut will be in time for Rally in the 100aw in March, a rally that her father, Ken Block, won an impressive seven times!

Top Five overall:

Rank Driver         Co-Driver                                  Vehicle

1 Mark Piatkowski Aris Mantopoulos Subaru Impreza RS

2 Alastair Scully Stefan Trajkov Hyundai i20 R5

3 Sean Donnelly Zach Pfeil Renault Clio Rally3

4 Matthew Nykanen William Ross BMW 328i E36

5 John Barnett Lucas Laeser Ford Fiesta ST

Top 3 Winners in Open 2WD (O2WD)

Rank Driver                         Co-Driver              Vehicle

1 Matthew Nykanen         William Ross     BMW 328i E36

2 Steve Rowlands Tessa Jordan     BMW 330i E46

3 Nicholas Tippmann         David Tippmann     Ford Fiesta ST

Ireland’s WRC Dream Rekindled: Motorsport Ireland Mounts Fresh Charge to Bring the World Rally Championship to the Emerald Isle

 

Report: Neil McDaid

Photos: Neil McDaid 

Dublin, Ireland: Motorsport Ireland has once again thrown its weight behind an ambitious plan to return the FIA World Rally Championship to Irish roads, reigniting a dream that has simmered since the sport last roared through the country more than a decade ago. MSI's goal is to get Ireland on the WRC calendar for 2028-29

With renewed political engagement, a reshaped WRC calendar, and lessons learned from past disappointments, Ireland’s latest bid feels more grounded  and potentially more credible  than before.

Ireland last hosted a WRC round in 2009 and 2010, events fondly remembered for their unique blend of fast, narrow tarmac stages, unpredictable weather, and passionate crowds. Yet the curtain came down abruptly. The previous bid ultimately collapsed under the combined weight of funding shortfalls, late-stage government hesitation, and concerns within the FIA over long-term financial guarantees. Despite strong sporting delivery, the economic model simply didn’t stack up in a post-financial-crisis Ireland.

That failure has loomed large over subsequent attempts. But Motorsport Ireland’s current approach reflects a more mature, strategic understanding of what the modern WRC demands. Crucially, this bid is being framed not just as a motorsport event, but as a national tourism and economic initiative — language that resonates far more clearly with government stakeholders than pure sporting heritage ever did.

What may tip the balance this time is timing. The WRC is actively seeking high-profile tarmac events to balance its hybrid-heavy gravel calendar, and Ireland’s road network — honed by decades of Irish Tarmac Championship competition — is ready-made for the spectacle modern rally fans crave. Events like the Circuit of Ireland, West Cork Rally, and Donegal International Rally have continued to demonstrate Ireland’s organisational depth, volunteer base, and crowd control expertise at an elite level.

Equally important is Motorsport Ireland’s effort to secure multi-year commitments rather than a one-off splash. Stability is now a non-negotiable requirement for WRC Promoter, and early indications suggest stronger alignment between local authorities, national tourism bodies, and private partners than in previous attempts.

Ireland also benefits from a new generation of internationally successful drivers and co-drivers keeping the nation visible on the world stage, reinforcing the narrative that Ireland is not just a historic rally nation — but a current one.

 

There are still hurdles to clear: funding guarantees, logistical complexity, and the ever-present challenge of road closures on public tarmac. But for the first time since 2010, Ireland’s WRC bid feels less like a romantic revival — and more like a serious, calculated return.

From Pace Notes to Power Moves: Jonne Halttunen Joins Toyota Gazoo Racing USA Rally Program

 

Report: Neil McDaid

Photo: Red Bull Racing 

Toyota has confirmed WRC Champion Co-driver Jonne Halttunen as Project Manager for its expansion into the American Rally Association Championship. Toyota Gazoo Racing will also collaborate with Rallysupport Services, a company ironically led by Lance Smith, the same Lance Smith of Vermont Sports Car who brought Subaru to be the most successful brand in North American Rally.

Halttunen arrives with a résumé that commands instant respect. As co-driver to Kalle Rovanperä, he has been a central figure in Toyota Gazoo Racing’s modern WRC dominance. Together they claimed WRC World Championships in 2022 and 2023, multiple rally victories across gravel, tarmac, and snow, and redefined the modern driver–co-driver partnership with precision, calm authority, and tactical intelligence beyond their years. Halttunen’s reputation inside the service park is that of a strategist as much as a navigator—someone who understands not just pace notes, but the bigger competitive picture.

Less widely discussed, but equally relevant for the ARA project, is Halttunen’s own rally driving background. Before cementing his career on the right-hand seat, he competed as a driver in Finland’s national rally scene, giving him first-hand understanding of car behavior, setup compromises, and the physical demands of stage competition—an invaluable asset when translating WRC-level thinking to American events with their unique roads, formats, and logistics.

With WRC, getting serious about getting USA on their calendar, the obvious question is: could this project lead to something even bigger for Jonne? While a one-off ARA appearance by Halttunen alongside Rovanperä might seem far-fetched, Rovanperä has said "rallying will always be close to his heart," even though he hasn't indicated a 2026 stage rally commitment. Given this season's focus on establishing Toyota's presence in the USA, such an entry would generate significant exposure for both Toyota and ARA. Of course, this is all speculation, but regardless, Halttunen's move alone demonstrates that American stage rally is no longer on the fringes; it's firmly back on the world map.