A few weeks ago, Tänak announced that he would step aside from the World Rally Championship – at least for the time being. However, the Estonian star did not entirely rule out the possibility of making a return.
Tänak will make his final appearance in Hyundai works overalls at Rally Saudi Arabia, which gets underway on Wednesday evening. On the morning shakedown, Tänak set the fifth-fastest time.
“The shakedown is clearly one of the best we have here. The others can usually be quite demanding. The road has been built from huge stones and only filled with sand, so there will be many surprises coming,” Tänak said during the remote service of the shakedown.
Earlier in the summer, Tänak was firmly in the title fight, but he has since fallen behind Toyota trio Elfyn Evans, Sebastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. Those three will battle it out for the championship in Saudi Arabia, while Tänak has to settle for fourth place in the standings.
Check the World Rally Championship standings here!
Tänak was blunt when he was asked to rate his own performance this year.
“I would say this season has been pretty average or even below average. At the beginning of the season, we were clearly a bit better – at some moments even leading the championship. But we just had far too many problems, and that’s why we dropped out of the fight.”
“But anyhow, we tried our best.”
Hyundai has been comprehensively outpaced by Toyota on the special stages this season. Out of the 13 rallies held, Toyota have claimed 12 victories, while Hyundai have managed just one – Tänak’s win at Acropolis Rally Greece.
Next year, Tänak will no longer have to think about his own rally results, as he plans to dedicate more time to his family.
“I hope next year will be clearly very different. So let’s see how life goes and what it brings. But I’m definitely looking forward,” the Estonian smiled.
Rally Saudi Arabia will begin on Wednesday evening with a super special stage. The demanding gravel rally will really get underway on Thursday, when seven special stages are scheduled.
