The hybrid units introduced in 2022 have been retired. This change has reduced the cars’ power but, on the other hand, has made them lighter.
The 2019 world champion, Ott Tänak, made it clear that the overhaul is a positive step, even though it has required significant adjustments.
“The concept of the rally car is much simpler again, as before we had all kinds of strategies and then we had to play with the hybrid and how and when to use it for every stage, and add it into our pacenotes. This is now back to a quite basic (car) and how it used to be years ago,” Tänak told Motorsport.com.
“It is a lot more simpler. I think it is a bit easier to run the car but it is also a lot easier to drive the car,” he continued.
According to Tänak, driving the car is now more enjoyable, even though it has less power. While the reduction in power is disappointing, Tänak appreciates the other aspects of the changes.
“Driving-wise I like it, it is like a rally car should be. The car is lighter which is great as in motorsport, weight is everything and if it is lighter the car is more playful, which is positive,” Tänak explained.
Tänak is now starting his second consecutive season with Hyundai. Last year, he had much to learn about how the team operates, but this year, everything feels different—and much easier.
“First of all, we definitely feel much more comfortable going into the season than we did last year. We already know the car and the team and we are definitely a lot more prepared than we were a year ago. I feel quite good in the car and especially at the end of last year on tarmac I actually felt good in the car and I had much more confidence,” Tänak said.
In recent years, Tänak has switched teams frequently. Starting a new season in a familiar environment this time around is a significant advantage.
“It (Monte Carlo) is a rally maybe used to enjoy a bit more in the past. In the hybrid time it has been demanding but I have been going back and forward within the teams, so every year I have been in a new car with a new team so this has been challenging to start a season,” Tänak reflected.
“This year coming back in the same car we have learnings from the past, so this helps a lot,” the Estonian concluded.
