Tänak announced before the season’s final rally that he will step away from full-time rallying for the time being. The Estonian did not rule out the possibility of returning to the World Rally Championship after a year out, but for now his focus is on his family.
Hyundai’s weak performance was certainly one of the key factors in why Tänak no longer has the energy to devote practically most of his time to rallying. However, the Estonian driver also delivers strong criticism to the World Rally Championship decision-makers for the miserable event schedule.
The World Rally Championship ended at the end of November in Saudi Arabia, but already last weekend some drivers returned to action for tests and a test rally. The new season, meanwhile, will begin in January at Monte Carlo, meaning there is no real break at any point of the year.
“I mean, just generally the seasons (are the problem). This is definitely the worst sport you can have where you just go all around. There is never a break,” Tänak laments.
“The calendar is just crazy stupid, you don’t have a single break in a year. And if you go like this, ten, 15 years, then that’s where we are.”
Despite everything, Tänak has enjoyed the sport for fifteen years. The Estonian won his only title so far in 2019 with Toyota, but after that he moved to Hyundai amid major controversy. Many have considered that switch a mistake, as Tänak has unquestionably been one of the fastest drivers in the series throughout, yet has not collected any further titles.
“I don’t regret. I’ve experienced a lot. I’ve so many people, and I’ve had victories in every team, and every team has had its good and bad. It’s been interesting. I’m definitely grateful for everything I’ve done. So like said I don’t regret anything,” Tänak states.
“I definitely dreamed about the championship, but I didn’t imagine it to happen.”
