The 2025 WRC season kicked off last weekend with the iconic Rally Monte-Carlo, where Tänak was not yet at his absolute best. The Estonian ultimately finished fifth in the event.
There was no time for rest after Monte-Carlo, which ended on Sunday, as Tänak was already back behind the wheel of Hyundai’s i20 N Rally1 car on Tuesday morning. This time, the scenery was completely different, as Tänak started Hyundai’s testing for Rally Sweden at the team’s test area in Finland.
The Estonian star pushed Hyundai’s Rally1 car on icy roads, gaining valuable experience with Hankook’s studded tyres in the process.
See images from Tänak’s test below. The article continues after the images.
In Monte-Carlo, Tänak was still searching for pace, but after the rally, he predicted that Rally Sweden should suit him significantly better. In addition, Hyundai drivers will have access to the team’s updated rally car for the Swedish event.
“We should be able to try the upgraded car for the first time, so hopefully, we will see some nice performance from it as well,” Tänak said after the Rally Monte Carlo.
During Tuesday’s test, Tänak continued fine-tuning the settings of Hyundai’s updated car.
Tänak has celebrated victory twice in Sweden, but never behind the wheel of a Hyundai. His first win came in 2019 with Toyota, and the second in 2023 with Ford.
This winter, Tänak should have a good starting position for the rally, as he will not be opening the road on the first day. Tänak will start fourth on the road, behind Elfyn Evans, Adrien Fourmaux, and Kalle Rovanperä.
Rally Sweden will take place around Umeå from 13th to 16th February.
