Khaberni - The Toyota Gazoo Racing team commenced the 2026 World Rally Championship season by achieving a historic milestone, having dominated the podium at the Monte Carlo Rally by occupying the top three positions, with the notable win achieved by Oliver Solberg and his co-driver Elliot Edmondson in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 No. 99.
Joining Solberg on the podium were Elfyn Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin in second place in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 No. 33, followed by Sebastien Ogier and his co-driver Vincent Landais in third place in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 No. 1. This marked Toyota's first complete sweep of the podium in the opening round of the rally since it began its journey in this championship, and the first dominance by a single manufacturer in the event since 2015.
Following the conclusion of the first round, the team's drivers hold the top three positions in the driver's championship, while Toyota leads the manufacturers' championship with 59 points.
On this occasion, Akio Toyoda, chairman of the board of Toyota Gazoo Racing, said: "Oliver and Elliot... congratulations on winning! I did not expect to congratulate you again so soon. I am pleased to have two reliable colleagues like you join the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, and I extend thanks to Elfyn and Scott, and Sebastien and Vincent for achieving this beautiful trifecta at the season opener."
Toyoda added: "I thank all team members for their efforts that contributed to achieving the best possible result despite the challenging roads and adverse conditions. I realize we will face many challenges this season, so let's continue to work on developing the best cars ever to suit all roads."
Solberg, who is completing his first season with the team in the Rally 1 category, delivered a spectacular performance in one of the most challenging editions of the Monte Carlo Rally in recent years; the 24-year-old driver took control of the rally from the second stage on the opening day, becoming the youngest winner of the Monte Carlo Rally in the modern era, and the first member of the Solberg family to claim this historic title.
This win was Solberg's second in his first two appearances in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 after he achieved his first win during his debut at Rally Estonia, presenting a strong start to his career with the team.
During the rally, the teams faced variable conditions across the different stages of the French Alps and mountainous regions overlooking Monaco, including snow, ice, rain, and mud with limited sections of dry asphalt. Despite these hazardous conditions, Solberg maintained his composure throughout the event to secure the win by a margin of 51.8 seconds.
On the last day, Evans and Martin delivered a strong and balanced performance that led them to second place, achieving together their fifth podium at the Monte Carlo Rally with the team. Also, Evans and Martin won the final power stage and secured second place in the Super Sunday ranking, adding important points to their tally.
At the same time, Ogier and Landais completed the podium domination by securing the third place after an intense competition in the final stages, securing Ogier's fifteenth win at the Monte Carlo Rally out of 17 participations, confirming Toyota's dominance over the event.
The World Rally Championship moves to its second round to Rally Sweden from February 12-15, 2026, the only full winter race of the season, characterized by snow and ice-covered tracks requiring strategic driving, carefully chosen tires, high car control, and above all, drivers must trust their abilities to overcome the harsh winter conditions unique to the race.
Over the years, Toyota participated in various motor racing sports, including "Formula 1", "World Endurance Championship", and "Nurburgring 24 Hours Endurance Race". Toyota participated in these events through separate teams and entities within the company until April 2015 when Toyota established the “Gazoo Racing” division, with the aim of consolidating all its motorsport activities under one name. From the conviction of Toyota and its motto "We gain expertise on the roads; to build the best cars", "Gazoo Racing" highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of the company's commitment to developing the best cars ever. By leveraging years of experience gained under the harsh conditions of various motorsport competitions, Gazoo Racing aims to develop leading technologies and new solutions that will give everyone the experience of freedom, adventure spirit, and driving pleasure.
Interested parties can follow the official page on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube platforms; to keep up with the competition atmosphere and know the results of local, regional, and international races firsthand, and sports car enthusiasts can explore the Toyota Gazoo Racing car collection at the Central Toyota showroom on Mecca Street.
