Ott Tänak: Winning in Finland is the highlight of the season

The Estonian believes that the next few weeks will contain answers about the man’s next year.

Martin Järveoja and Ott Tänak cheered on the victory of the Jyväskylä rally on the middle podium. Vesa Pöppönen / All Over Press

2019 World Champion Ott Tänak did not achieve his goals at Hyundai in the last three years. He did not want to experience the fourth year and canceled his contract citing personal reasons.

Even though Tänak often whined and complained behind the wheel of Hyundai, the Estonian feels that moving to the team from Toyota as the number one rally driver was a smart move. He tells Dirtfish in the interview that the last three years have been challenging, but also very rewarding.

– We set out to win championships. They didn’t come, and I didn’t perform well enough to be in their fight. But otherwise, this has been an incredible experience. I met great people and made lifelong friendships. This was worth it, Tänak states.

Tänak was asked about his best moment from last season. He chose the moments when he was the biggest entertainer of the audience and the real villain, especially in the eyes of Finns. This happened in Jyväskylä, Finland. In a rally that was expected Kalle Rovanperän overwhelming victory.

– Winning in Finland was great because Toyota and Kalle really had to win there. It was wonderful.

Tänak did a similar trick to his teammate.

– And a certain first place in Belgium, because by Thierry Neuville had to win then. Thierry has never lost to his teammate there.

The 35-year-old Tänak also won the Rally of Sardinia during the season. He reached the podium eight times and ended his era with Hyundai with silver in the Japan Rally.

The Estonian’s next step has been considered for a long time now, but the man himself is not jumping with the matter.

– I have nothing planned for next year. I’ll take a few days off now, and then we’ll think about it with a more relaxed mind.

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