Ott Tänak: “The most difficult victory”

By winning hands down the Rally from Germany last weekend, Ott Tänak offered to the Toyota Yaris its first victory on asphalt since the return of the Japanese manufacturer in WRC in 2017.

A victory almost 40″ ahead of the competition led by the Belgian Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) which did not appear so simple according to the Estonian.

“It was certainly the hardest victory ever won, mentions Tänak. For most of the weekend it was a very close fight and I had to push so hard.

On Friday in the vineyards, I felt very comfortable with the car. Saturday morning I didn't feel as confident, but the team really improved the car at service. Sunday I just needed to stay clean on the road. I'm really happy for the whole team: we were really strong this weekend. »

Long placed among the favorites to play the leading roles this season, Ott Tänak had had a more difficult start to the season than his two rivals, notably posting two poor performances in Sweden and Mexico.

His last two successes in Finland and Germany allowed the former driver M-Sport to put themselves back in the title race, 36 points behind leader Neuville. However, the Estonian does not want to ignite.

“We are moving in the right direction in the championship, but I continue to take it event by event: I am now focusing on Turkey and trying to be as well prepared as possible. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Rally Germany, produced by our special correspondent in Trier, in issue 2179 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and on newsstands tomorrow.