Tänak began the final day of competition in Japan last Sunday as the leading driver. He still had a slim chance of challenging his teammate Thierry Neuville for the drivers’ championship title.
However, Tänak’s push ended abruptly on the very first stage of the morning. A right-hand corner caught the Estonian off guard, sending him off the road and into the forest.
Read also: Hyundai boss swallows his disappointment – “We need to accept the fact”
Tänak’s off-road excursion proved costly for Hyundai. Had he finished the rally, the team likely would have claimed the manufacturers’ championship. Instead, Tänak’s retirement opened the door for Toyota, which clinched the title by just three points.
Tänak was candid about the dramatic turning point of the rally.
“It is difficult to describe what happened other than complete disaster. We weren’t expecting slippery conditions in the corner and as soon as we arrived, the front washed out,” Tänak explained.
Read also: Close call! Ott Tänak’s co-driver narrowly avoids Heikki Kovalainen’s car in Rally Japan crash
Tänak’s retirement sealed the deal for his teammate Thierry Neuville, allowing the Belgian to celebrate his first world championship. Tänak extended honest congratulations to Neuville.
“While we are disappointed to end the season this way, we have to recognise what a great season this has been for Thierry. He has been very consistent, managing the pressure well, and he is a worthy champion,” Tänak praised.
Tänak will remain with Hyundai next season as Neuville’s teammate.
