Although Tänak drove a consistent race and ultimately finished fourth, he had no business with the lead pace. However, it’s certain that in Rally Sweden this week, the Estonian star’s speed will be in a completely different class.
Last season, driving for M-Sport Ford in Umeå, Tänak clinched first place. He also won the winter rally with Hyundai in 2021 in Rovaniemi, and while at Toyota, he celebrated victory in Sweden in 2019, so snowy conditions suit him perfectly.
“Sweden is a really nice rally that’s mostly about pure performance. The roads are easy and flat, so it’s no real stress to the cars and this makes it easier to maximise the pace,” Tänak sums up.
“Previously it’s been great in Umeå, and I would like to see big snowbanks and icy roads once again. Snowbanks are more of a support than a risk in Sweden. Most of the time you can use them to your advantage to push the limit, so if the snowbank takes you, you are probably too far over the limit.”
In Sweden, some stages are also driven in the dark. However, snow brings more light compared to many other races.
“The stages in complete darkness are always a bit of a challenge. You don’t see very much, sometimes just where the lights show. That, paired with driving on snow, means you can go sideways unexpectedly. On the other side, snow is quite a good reflector, so I would say it’s easier than driving in places like muddy Wales,” Tänak considers.
It’s clear that aiming high in Umeå, starting from a better position than his toughest rivals in the championship battle, Tänak targets the top.
“The target is to do well. We won it last year and will try our best to be battling at the front again.”
Rally Sweden starts on Thursday evening with a spectator stage on the outskirts of Umeå city centre.
