According to Ott Tanak, the upcoming seven consecutive gravel rallies present a significant chance for him to thrust himself into contention for the World Rally Championship title.
As the World Rally Championship’s gravel season kicks off in Portugal, Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, currently fourth in the standings, is ready to close the 33-point gap with leader Thierry Neuville.
Tanak’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From early missteps in Monte Carlo and Sweden to a promising surge in Kenya cut short by a crash, he’s shown flashes of the speed that once crowned him a champion. Last month’s race in Croatia was a battle against his i20 N’s balance, yet it yielded his season’s best, a fourth-place finish and 20 valuable points.
Now, the gravel beckons—a surface where Tanak has triumphed in 12 of his 19 WRC victories, notably in the I20 N in 2022. “The gravel stages are where I come alive,” Tanak shared with Autosport. “It’s been a while since we’ve tackled them, but I’m eager to rediscover that connection with the car and make a strong play for points in Portugal.”
The Safari Rally’s unique challenges were a test of adaptability, but Portugal presents a different beast. “The upcoming test will be our first taste of gravel in some time. It’s crucial we find our rhythm and bring our competitive edge to the fore,” Tanak added.
With a favourable road order in Portugal, starting fourth could give Tanak an edge, while Neuville, leading the pack, may struggle with the less ideal conditions. Neuville remains optimistic, despite the daunting task ahead. “Maintaining the lead is key, even as we head into a string of challenging gravel rallies,” Neuville remarked to Autosport.
Neuville anticipates a gruelling weekend unless rain comes to his aid. “Scoring big on Friday and Saturday might be tough, but Sunday could turn the tides with a better road position,” he said.
As the championship unfolds, the drivers’ lineup—Rovanpera in seventh, Ogier in fifth, and Tanak in fourth—sets the stage for an intense showdown. “Our Hyundai has come a long way, but the journey to perfection continues. The Toyotas may be fast, but we’re not backing down. The fight goes on,” Neuville concluded with determination.
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