2019 Junior World Rally Champion, Jan Solans, has followed in his brother's footsteps, but advice from a rally legend is also helping keep his feet firmly on the ground. The Spaniard is the second Solans to win the JWRC title in three years' after his brother, Nil, achieved the feat two years before him in 2017. His brother, now 28, followed his title with a WRC season in an R5 car, before limited outings in 2019 and 2020. Jan, five years his junior, is aiming high and is under no illusion of the difficulty of making the next step, let alone that to the sport's top category. "My ambition is to reach the top of the FIA World Rally Championship," Jan Solans says
"I'm aware of how difficult this is going to be, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. I will put all my effort to try for this goal.
"For me, it was like a dream come true to win the Junior World Rally Championship. "Winning a world championship has been one of my goals from the beginning of my motorsports career. Honestly, I didn't expect to win the Junior WRC in my first year.

Jan Solans launches his Ford Fiesta Rally2 at Rally Estonia. Photo: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool

His countryman, and two time WRC champion, Carlos Sainz, has high praise for him. Their relationship is short, but the advice shared has been large. "I was leading the Junior World Rally Championship and I reached out to Carlos because I knew he was the right guy to guide me," Solans said. "I needed the help of someone to guide me on the right path. Carlos knows the way to arrive to the top, because he's the only Spanish driver that has achieved that. "I called him to ask if I could visit and we ended up talking on the phone for around two hours. He told me that he will do all he can to help me and I really appreciate having his support.
"Every piece of advice that he has given me has been very useful. I always pay attention to everything he has to say.
"Carlos is always there for me despite having his own very busy life. He has no obligation to help me, but he does it. I think this says a lot about him as a person. I know that without the help from Carlos my career would not be where it is right now," he concluded.

Jan Solans in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 at Rally Turkey in Marmaris last month. Photo: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool

Solans has already won a stage in his first WRC3 season, but Sainz expects there is plenty more to come. "I hope this time it is working well (Red Bull sponsorship) for a young Spanish driver," Sainz explained. "In my early days I also had some support from sponsors and it was really the only way to move forward. "As a young driver you set a lot of targets and are always pushing yourself to go forward. "In my early days, sometimes, I was a little bit impatient. I see Jan has talent and now is his time to prove it."

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