"I remember that 2005 car with Colin McRae at the wheel," recalls 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg. "Colin was fighting with the Fabia for second place in Australia," he says, reminding his son of 2005. For Oliver, this car from the era when his father was at the peak of his career (he finished second in the championship in 2002, 2004 and 2005) is his most favourite car in Škoda Motorsport's history.
"A big rear wing, wide fenders, a two-litre engine," says Oliver, listing what he likes so much about the low-spec asphalt Fabia WRC. "Treat it with respect," Petter reminds him as they squeeze into the cab of the car and get ready to take it for a spin. "Amazing, amazing!" gushes Oliver after a few kilometres behind the wheel of the special. "Lots of torque, lots of power, paddle shifters, active differentials," says the rally hopeful, listing the things that appealed to him while driving. "I have such a blissful feeling about it," he comments on his experience of being able to try what he called "old-school rally driving".
And he himself points out that without the Fabia WRC, today's successful series of Rally2 cars might not have existed. "Škoda Motorsport has gained experience with the car in the World Championship and has learned a lot from the development of the cars. Then began the successful S2000 series, which continues with Rally2 cars to this day," says Oliver Solberg.
