The return of Ott Tanak to the WRC top flight next season has sent waves of anticipation through the paddock. After a year-long hiatus, the 2019 world champion is set to rejoin Toyota alongside his long-time co-driver Martin Jarveoja. Experts are already tipping the Estonian to be an immediate championship contender, citing his vast experience and tactical maturity.
Estonian rally expert Margus Murakas believes that at 39, Tanak is at a prime age to challenge for the title. He argued that rally driving is a discipline where experience dictates the ability to navigate complex scenarios. "Being 39 is no age at all in motorsport. Rallying requires experience, and experienced drivers know how to assess situations and anticipate what might happen next," Murakas stated on the Spordipuhapaev broadcast.
Margus Kiiver, who is closely linked to the Rally Estonia organization, highlighted a unique psychological edge that Tanak brings to the table. According to Kiiver, the time spent away from full-time competition has only intensified Tanak's drive. "He has something many other drivers don't have: hunger. He has an enormous desire to compete, and I think that's one of his strengths," Kiiver noted.
Technically, Tanak has been far from idle. His role as a test driver for Toyota's new challenger has provided him with vital insights into the car's handling and pace relative to the rest of the lineup. While testing data is rarely a direct mirror of race-day performance, it has allowed him to benchmark himself against Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Kalle Rovanpera.
Tanak will pilot the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, sharing the spotlight with Takamoto Katsuta. Meanwhile, the team's alternative entry features Evans, Solberg, and Sami Pajari, who will be behind the wheel of the GR Celica Rally1. With this roster, Toyota is clearly positioning itself to dominate the championship, and Tanak’s return is the centerpiece of their master plan for the coming year.
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