With only two rounds of the World Rally Championship remaining, Tänak trails Toyota’s Elfyn Evans by 50 points in the standings. Ahead of the Estonian, also by a considerable margin, are Toyota’s Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä.
Of course, 70 points are still up for grabs, but for Tänak to take the title would require a major collapse from Toyota’s trio in this week’s home event, Rally Japan. Tänak is well aware that the upcoming tarmac challenge is one of the most unpredictable events on the calendar.
“Japan is one of the slowest of the tarmac rallies. We’ve only ever competed when the weather is unpredictable, so with the changing conditions, it’s one of the most challenging tarmac events,” Tänak says.
“There’s definitely an optimum way to set up – it’s actually quite a smooth rally, so not much protection is needed. It’s more about precision and managing the low-grip conditions.”
There has been speculation about Tänak’s future, as he has never really come to terms with Hyundai’s Rally1 car since returning to the team for the 2024 season. RallyJournal.com also predicted in mid-October that Tänak could well return to Toyota next year – the team with which he celebrated his only world championship title so far, back in 2019.
Read more: Comment: Ott Tänak could indeed switch camps – is a new shock move in the making?
At least in his comments ahead of Rally Japan, Tänak enthusiastically praises Japan and its rally fans without reservation.
“We’re lucky to be able to go there at a time of year when the nature is so colourful, the atmosphere is always very warm and kind, so I love going there,” Tänak tells.
The title fight is far beyond Tänak’s own control. However, the Estonian is still planning one final push, even though both he and Hyundai have struggled significantly on tarmac this season.
“For sure, I hope to give my best in Japan, so let’s see how it goes, and hopefully the minor changes we’ve made to the car since CER will help us get a good feeling right away to fight at the top,” Tänak sums up.
