# WRC Sardinia: Solberg Leads Title Race

> Solberg surges to Rally Italy lead, cutting Evans' title gap.
- Title: WRC Sardinia: Solberg Leads Title Race · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: Solberg surges to Rally Italy lead, cutting Evans' title gap. Oliver Solberg gained a 2.7-second lead over Thierry Neuville at Rally Italy Sardinia, reducing…
- Keywords: oliver solberg, thierry neuville, elfyn evans, wrc, rally italy, sardinia, toyota gazoo racing, hyundai world rally team, wrc title race, rally italy sardinia, sports, cars
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-sardinia-solberg-storms-to-the-lead-to-boost-title-chances/10861431
- Author: Tom Howard
- Published: 2026-10-03T10:08:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: oliver solberg, thierry neuville, elfyn evans, wrc, rally italy, sardinia, toyota gazoo racing, hyundai world rally team, wrc title race, rally italy sardinia, sports, cars
## Solberg takes Rally Italy lead
Oliver Solberg surged into Rally Italy Sardinia lead after snatching two stages from Thierry Neuville.
## Solberg cuts Neuville's lead
Solberg won two stages to move into a 2.7s lead over Neuville, reducing Evans' title gap to four points.
## Fourmaux's puncture setback
Adrien Fourmaux lost 1 minute due to front-left puncture on stage eight.

> I have nothing to say
## Neuville takes stage win
Neuville won stage by 2.1s from Solberg, moving into 14.4s lead over Solberg.
## Solberg closes gap
Solberg won stage 10, taking 6.0s out of Neuville to move into lead.
## Pajari's title challenge
Sami Pajari settled for fifth after maximizing road position but felt he couldn't match Solberg's pace.

> I'm not giving up and not backing off. We need to see what is possible
## Evans' title struggle
Championship leader Evans couldn't catch drivers ahead due to road cleaning issues.

> It [the title fight] is a bit out of my control, a bit I feel with the road cleaning so much
## Sordo's crash recovery
Hyundai's Dani Sordo returned after Friday crash but reported severe pain.

> I can't continue like this. It is really painful. On the braking it feels like I have something broken
## Key takeaway

Oliver Solberg gained a 2.7-second lead over Thierry Neuville at Rally Italy Sardinia, reducing Elfyn Evans' championship lead to four points.