Solberg's title hope

Oliver Solberg believes he 100 percent has a shot at winning the World Rally Championship crown after an impressive drive at Rally Italy.

“I’ve 100% got the shot.”

Solberg's position

Solberg ended Friday 12.3 seconds behind leader Thierry Neuville despite starting third on the road and suffering a slow puncture.

“Only 12 seconds off, and I did the best I could today with the road position and the risk that I managed.”

Evans' title challenge

Elfyn Evans remains in control of his bid for a maiden world title after a solid Friday despite starting first on rough gravel stages.

“I think Oliver is the danger man at the minute being quite close to the lead.”

Pajari's standings

Sami Pajari slipped behind Solberg in the championship standings after starting second on the road and losing fourth place to Sebastien Ogier by 2.8 seconds.

“We were clearly faster than Elfyn on every stage so it shows how crucial the road position is.”

Solberg's strategy

Solberg aims to catch time with Saturday's stages, noting Hyundai's strength on rough roads but emphasizing his road position advantage.

“I think for tomorrow I just continue a bit like today, but hopefully with the road position, everything is a bit closer.”

Evans' concerns

Evans feels he could have taken more risk but acknowledges Solberg's threat as the danger man in the title fight with only 19 points needed to guarantee the crown.

“It is relatively close for now. I think Oliver is the danger man at the minute being quite close to the lead.”

Pajari's outlook

Pajari remains positive about his title hopes, stating nothing is lost but emphasizing the need to keep pushing with improved road position for Saturday.

“Nothing is lost. So we clearly need to keep pushing.”

Title battle dynamics

Solberg, Evans, and Pajari face a tight title race with Solberg 12.3s behind leader Neuville, Evans 19 points needed to secure the title, and Pajari 17 points adrift of Evans.