Tänak finished third in the competition, earning valuable points for his team in the manufacturers’ championship battle. At the same time, the Estonian managed to close the gap on his teammate Thierry Neuville in the drivers’ championship fight.
“Let’s say it’s been maybe a bit lucky that I hit trouble on Friday. Other than that, obviously, it had nothing to do with Toyota. But we gave our maximum and scored everything we could,” Tänak summarised.
In the manufacturers’ championship, things have become more intense. Toyota scored maximum points in Chile, narrowing the gap to Hyundai to 17 points.
“They bounced back,” Tänak admitted.
“But let’s see, now we go to tarmac, and normally we should have at least a good road position for that. So, definitely the fight is not over yet, and we need to work hard for it,” Tänak added.
Tänak himself still has, at least in theory, a chance to win the drivers’ championship. Neuville’s lead over the Estonian is now 29 points. It’s a significant gap under the current points system, but not impossible to close.
Check out the WRC standings here!
“Obviously, it’s a very big gap, but let’s say it’s not safe yet,” Tänak smiled.
“We’re still in the fight,” the Estonian continued.
The WRC season resumes with Central European Rally in mid-October, followed by the season finale at Rally Japan in November.
