# Evans Names Solberg Danger Man

> Solberg edges title chase as Evans eyes WRC crown.
- Title: Evans Names Solberg Danger Man · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: Solberg edges title chase as Evans eyes WRC crown. Oliver Solberg believes he has a 100% shot at winning the WRC title after closing 12.3s behind leader…
- Keywords: oliver solberg, elfyn evans, wrc, rally italy, toyota gazoo racing, thierry neuville, sami pajari, hyundai, sports, cars, Evans, Names
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/wrc/news/evans-names-solberg-the-danger-man-in-wrc-title-fight/10861174
- Author: Tom Howard
- Published: 2026-10-02T18:53:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: oliver solberg, elfyn evans, wrc, rally italy, toyota gazoo racing, thierry neuville, sami pajari, hyundai, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Oliver Solberg believes he has a 100% shot at winning the WRC title after closing 12.3s behind leader Thierry Neuville at Rally Italy.