TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 1-2-3 at Monte-Carlo

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team achieved a historic milestone at Rallye Monte-Carlo, sweeping the podium with a commanding 1-2-3 finish to open the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship season. The Japanese manufacturer’s dominance marked their first-ever complete podium lockout at the iconic event and the first single-manufacturer sweep since 2015.

Oliver Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson led the charge in the No. 99 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1, claiming a breakthrough victory in one of the most challenging editions of the rally in recent memory. The 24-year-old Norwegian became the youngest winner of Rallye Monte-Carlo in the modern era and the first member of his family to triumph at the legendary event.

Complete Podium Domination

Joining Solberg on the podium were teammates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin in second place, driving the No. 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1. The duo secured their fifth Rallye Monte-Carlo podium together with the team, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the event. Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais completed the sweep in third place aboard the No. 1 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1, with Ogier achieving his 15th podium finish at this event from 17 starts.

Following this opening round, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing currently occupies the top three positions in the drivers’ championship standings, while Toyota leads the manufacturers’ championship with 59 points.

Challenging Conditions Test Driver Skill

The rally presented extreme challenges as crews faced constantly changing conditions across stages in the French Alps and mountains above Monaco. Competitors navigated through snow, ice, rain, mud, and very limited dry asphalt. Despite treacherous surfaces and several close calls, Solberg maintained composure throughout the event, ultimately securing victory by a 51.8-second margin.

The win marked Solberg’s second victory in just his first two starts with the Toyota GR YARIS Rally1, following his debut triumph at Rally Estonia. This remarkable achievement underlines an exceptional start to his tenure with the team in his first full season competing in the Rally1 line-up.

Leadership Celebrates Team Achievement

“Oliver and Elliott, congratulations on your victory! I never thought that I would be able to say congratulations to you for the second time so soon. I am happy to have such reliable team-mates join the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT family.”
Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman

Toyoda also expressed gratitude to the entire team for achieving optimal results under difficult conditions, emphasizing the commitment to developing ever-better cars on various roads throughout the challenging season ahead.

Looking Ahead to Rally Sweden

The 2026 FIA WRC continues with Rally Sweden scheduled for February 12-15, the only full winter event of the season. Held entirely across snow and ice, the rally demands sharp tire strategy, precise vehicle control, and unwavering driver confidence in extreme winter conditions. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will aim to maintain their championship momentum in these challenging Scandinavian stages.

Race Results Summary

No. 99 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 (Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson): 1st – 4:24:59.0
No. 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 (Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin): 2nd – 4:25:50.8
No. 1 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 (Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais): 3rd – 4:27:01.2