However, Toyota once again secured maximum points, just as they did in the season-opening Monte-Carlo Rally, meaning Hyundai’s development work didn’t pay off immediately. Despite finishing fourth in Sweden, Ott Tänak believes that the updates to Hyundai’s Rally1 car are a step in the right direction.
Although Hyundai will revert to the older version of the i20 N Rally1 for the WRC round in Kenya in March, the Estonian driver still saw potential in the updates.
“Definitely. I’m not sure we got the best out of the car in Sweden, but I would say when the car is working, it seems nice to drive. It’s just about to put the package together now,” Tänak explained.
“It’s still all quite fresh and it seems like it still takes a little time to find the optimum setups.”
Read also: Hyundai reverts to old Rally1 car for next WRC round
Tänak emphasised that his overall feeling about the updates was positive. Unfortunately for him, a mysterious technical issue on Saturday in Sweden took him out of the fight for victory.
“I feel positive when the car is working and I feel definitely better in the car. So I would say everything we’ve done, it’s definitely in a good direction,” Tänak commented.
“But as I said, it’s just to put the package together now to find the sweet spot.”
The WRC season continues in Kenya from 20–23 March.
