Commentator's Curse Strikes as Solberg Crashes, Handing Evans World Rally Championship
Oliver Solberg's dramatic late crash at the Sardinia Rally gifted Elfyn Evans his first World Rally Championship title.
The 2026 World Rally Championship concluded with a dramatic twist as leader Oliver Solberg crashed in the final corners of the Sardinia Rally, handing the title to Welsh driver Elfyn Evans.
Solberg was on the verge of securing his maiden world championship, leading the race and seemingly set for victory. Commentators, including TNT Sports' Mike Chen, had begun to announce his impending win. However, Solberg lost control of his Toyota on the second-to-last corner, veering off the dirt track.
The unexpected turn of events allowed Elfyn Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin to move into the lead, securing Evans's first world title in his sixth attempt. This victory marks the first British world rally champion since Richard Burns in 2001 and the first since Colin McRae in 1995.
"It hasn't sunk in," Evans stated after the race. "I was sure it was over. I didn't drive the best stage but threw everything at it, but it wasn't clean. I feel for Oliver. He had an incredible weekend. I don't really know what my reaction is; it's surreal with how it happened. It's a relief. It wouldn't be my proudest way of winning it, but it's job done."
The dramatic crash was captured on camera, including the reactions of Solberg's parents, Petter and Pernilla Solberg, who had been anticipating their son's triumph.
