Ott Tänak: “Winning in Sweden is just one step”

Does winning in Sweden, during the only winter round on the calendar, increase your joy tenfold?

I'm certainly happy to win in Sweden, but it doesn't give me any particular satisfaction. This rally is certainly special for all the drivers who evolve in WRC because he's the only one arguing about snow and ice, but that doesn't make him more important than anyone else.

What matters most to me is being world champion at the end of the year! Winning in Sweden is just one step towards this goal.

You gave the impression of leading the race you wanted. What was the key to winning?

It is true that we had an excellent weekend. I think it all came down to Friday when we managed not to give up too much time despite unfavorable conditions for us who were 3rd on the road.

Then, it was just a matter of driving at a good pace while taking the minimum risk. I'm also happy that I didn't have to push very hard in certain stages on Saturday, because it was very easy to get trapped there.

To successfully negotiate the last stage, we had to save the nails as much as possible so that they were still effective in the Power Stage. I knew before the start that our car was capable of this type of performance and I was really in tune with it throughout the three days. For us and for the team, it's great to obtain such a result at the very start of the season.

You are now leader of the Drivers' championship. You will have to open the road to Mexico…

I didn't want to think about Mexico, where I will actually be sweeping. Every point is important, so I prefer to put them here with a victory. We will see in León how it goes.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Swedish Rally, produced by our special correspondent, in issue 2204 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on newsstands.