Hyundai to throw everything behind Tanak’s WRC title bid

Ott Tanak is fully aware his hopes of securing a second World Rally Championship title are unlikely, but that isn’t preventing Hyundai from throwing everything behind its driver at Rally Japan.

Tanak is still mathematically in the hunt for the title but faces a uphill battle after leaving the Central European Rally last month, 50 points behind championship leader Elfyn Evans, with two rounds remaining, offering up a maximum 70 points.

The Estonian has written off his title chances, admitting that “there is no championship” after finishing third in Germany last month. But all the while his title hopes are still possible Hyundai plans to ensure its drivers has the best package possible to prolong his title challenge in Japan.

“It is 100% crystal clear we will throw everything at Ott to try and make sure he has the best opportunity to be as close to that [title] fight as possible,” said Hyundai’s sporting director Andrew Wheatley.

“I think we have to be realistic, it is going to be difficult, but it is going to be difficult for the three Toyota drivers as well. We will be there working as hard as we can to pick up any pieces.

“With 70 points still available, Ott and Martin remain one of the four crews still in the fight for the drivers’ championship, but this event will require them to be in a strong position to capitalise on any issues for their fellow competitors if they are to take the battle to the last round.”

Tanak will continue to pilot an older generation Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car as he did in Central Europe last month, while team-mates Thierry Neuville and Adrian Fourmaux drive a heavily upgraded i20 N.

“Japan is one of the slowest of the tarmac rallies. We've only ever competed when the weather is unpredictable, so with the changing conditions, it’s one of the most challenging tarmac events. There's definitely an optimum way to set up - it's actually quite a smooth rally, so not much protection is needed,” said Tanak.

“For sure, I hope to give my best in Japan, so let’s see how it goes, and hopefully the minor changes we’ve made to the car since CER will help us get a good feeling right away to fight at the top.”

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