Adamo on signing Tänak: 'I need to have all the big drivers who are fast'

When did you think to recruit Ott Tänak?

In January.

And when were your first contacts?

Good question ! We often met each other in hotels or at the service park, but it's in July that we sat around a table for the first time.

Did you immediately feel it was favorable?

Difficile à dire. Cela s’est fait tranquillement. Initialement, c’est surtout Alain Penasse (team manager de Hyundai Motorsport. Ndlr) qui a mené les discussions, en donnant à Ott une vision très claire de l’équipe. Alain a eu des entretiens avec Markko Martin, qui aide Ott.

Then we met, but honnêtement, au départ, nous étions sûrs qu’il s’agissait seulement d’un moyen pour relancer l’offre de Toyota. We didn't get into that game. We moved forward and it was a pretty easy position.

#WRC #HMSGOfficial is now following @OttTanak pic.twitter.com/OOCS5MMi9R

— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) October 31, 2019

Did you, from your management side, immediately obtain financial approval to hire two of the three top drivers of the WRC ?

As I have been saying since the start of the season, I have the chance to work with intelligent management who have good analysis. In terms of budget, this is not surprising. It's not crazy, it's necessary. I hear stupid things that make me laugh. What we put on the table does not correspond to the figures announced. People don't understand that sometimes the feeling is excellent, with the same vision, and that we decide to collaborate.

Did you doubt the possibility of getting him signed?

Until the last moment! If you don't doubt, you're stupid! You are romantic. I am convinced that you need to be very focused to properly assess a situation and avoid mistakes.

Did Ott have any special requests during the negotiations?

Of course ! He's not stupid. Ott is very professional and did not want to leave a Toyota team, with which he wins rallies, for another team without explanation regarding our way of working, the directions for the future... He and I want to win, and when we speak to each other, we understand each other. Anyway, I don't work by saying: "I know, you do!" ". There is a dialogue with the crews.

When did he sign his contract?

A few days after the rally from Spain (the announcement was made Thursday October 31, 4 days after the event. Editor's note)

You are in position to win the Manufacturers' title. Is it useful to have Thank you more in your workforce?

If I had the budget, I would take all the best on the market. I need to have all the great drivers who are fast rather than the ones who aren't. I have not forgotten the crews with whom we worked during the season and who allowed us to find ourselves in such a situation.

People say I'm tough, but I have passion, I have heart, and when I say that we are still in contact with Andreas Mikkelsen and Craig Breen, It's the truth.

Having two title candidates in the team will mean more pressure and additional management. Does this bother you?

Since January 2, I have been asked if I am worried about having to manage this team. I read a book by Walter Bonatti, who was a mountaineer before being a writer. The latter said that it was fear that allowed him to always come home.

In the mountains, it makes you think every time you take a step. I know that we will have to be perpetually focused so as not to do anything stupid in the relationship with Thierry, Dani, Sébastien and Ott. It will be my job to be very clear. I know it won't be easy, but nothing comes easy when it comes to winning.