• Robin Jonsson wins Castrol Rally Jämsä

• Top Swedish gamer leads Solberg World Cup into the final round

• Oliver Solberg sits 20th out of an amazing 16,198 participants

• And now, the finale: Volkswagen Motorsport Rally Powys

• Incredible DirtFish prize up for grabs at the end of SWC season 1 

 

Victory on the Castrol Rally Jämsä has moved Robin Jonsson into pole position for a maiden Solberg World Cup in association with DirtFish championship win. 
 
The Swede’s third series win came on the latest event, a sensationally quick run down some of Finland’s most famous roads, which finished on Sunday. Jonsson now leads the charge into Wales for the Volkswagen Motorsport Rally Powys (already up and running and concludes on Sunday June 14) to bring the curtain down on an astonishing first series which now has more than 16,000 competitors. 
 
Not for nothing did Nordic rule last 39 years on Finland’s 1000 Lakes Rally; these are some of rallying’s most difficult stages to learn. Glory takes guts and gumption and Jonsson demonstrated both.
 
Oliver was fastest from the Solberg household, finishing the event 26th – a position which takes the 18-year-old into the final round in 20th position.
 
Emerging from Castrol Rally Jämsä, Oliver said: “That was not easy. I can see why people talk about the flying Finns! Such a fast rally and one where you have to be so clean. It was good fun and I enjoyed it a lot! 
 
“I got a puncture after I landed on one jump, I think it was a bit unlucky. I enjoyed it a lot and I’m happy I came through as one of the quickest Polos in some of the stages. Now we go to Wales – another really tricky rally. I can’t believe Solberg World Cup in association with DirtFish is nearly finished. The competition has been amazing already – and so many competitors. 
 
“Like always, it’s quite humbling to have so many people coming to join us. I wish you all a good race in Wales. Let’s all make it flat out for Volkswagen Motorsport Rally Powys!”
 
Petter Solberg benefited from a longer Volkswagen Motorsport Rally Powys recce following a shorter Castrol Rally Jämsä than planned. 
 
“Castrol Rally Jämsä was so difficult. My rally finished early, straight into the trees! Now I’m focused to Wales. It’s great to see how everybody’s enjoying it so much and the competition and the speed is pretty incredible!”
 
Volkswagen Motorsport is used to delivering at the sport’s highest level and the Hannover-based team is certainly doing that on the final round of the Solberg World Cup in association with DirtFish; the winner of the event will take away the winning manufacturer’s trophy from the 2014 Wales Rally GB.

As if that’s not amazing enough, there’s another money-can’t-buy prize in the shape of a steering wheel from a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. The wheel, complete with exactly the same R5 controls, has been converted by Volkswagen Motorsport technicians to USB connectivity to be used in sim racing (it’s the wheel only, it doesn’t include the base).
 
Volkswagen Motorsport director Sven Smeets said: “We are very happy to be part of the Solberg World Cup and to become the official partner of the grand final, the Volkswagen Motorsport Rally Powys. 
 
“The Solberg World Cup brings thousands of people from all over the world together to compete on equal terms and we are delighted that the Polo GTI R5 is one of the most popular cars in the championship so far. As we have been working with the Solberg family in real motorsport for a long time already it’s great to make the transition into e-Sports now.
 
“e-Sports is a great opportunity to bring our sport and our product digitally to the people. And, just like in real life, the competition in rallying is fierce and all about speed, consistency and the ability to adjust your driving to the road conditions. The rally roads in Wales are loved and feared at the same time and we are very much looking forward to the outcome of Volkswagen Motorsport Rally Powys and the Solberg World Cup.”