What options do Hyundai have to replace Ott Tänak?

With the departure of Ott Tänak from Hyundai and the end of the collaboration with Oliver Solberg, the Korean brand finds itself obliged to recruit two drivers. If this seems easy to say, in reality, how can you be sure that you are opting for the best solution?

Published on 26/10/2022 à 12:25

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What options do Hyundai have to replace Ott Tänak?

Who to take Tänak and Solberg’s place at Hyundai? © Nikos Katikis / DPPI

The announcement ofOtt Tänak wasn't really a surprise. During his last races, he seemed so vindictive towards the universe in which he evolved that it seemed inevitable. By not even waiting for the end of the season to reveal his desire to play a clause in his contract, the 2019 world champion has planted an interesting kick in the transfer market! If he doesn't decide to stay home to take care of his family, the Baltic must be at the top of the recruitment sheets of M-Sport and maybe Toyota. Simultaneously, Hyundai had to put together a list of candidates to replace him.

Among the criteria, experience, speed, reliability and technical background feature prominently and the conclusion is that it will not be easy to find someone of Tänak's caliber. Andreas Mikkelsen would be the one who best ticks all the boxes. If the friend of Thierry Neuville was designated, he would return to this team after a first period of collaboration between the end of 2017 and 2019. Has the Norwegian's contract already been signed as rumor claims? If this is not the case, the Viking is not safe from being pipped on the post by Elfyn Evans who could be pushed out of the TGR if Tänak arrives.

A long list for Hyundai… but few leaders

Apart from Mikkelsen, the main names that come up most often are Kris Meeke, Teemu Suninen, Craig Breen and Hayden Paddon. They all have qualities to claim, but none of them are at the same level of Estonian. Whoever Thierry Neuville's partner is chosen, won't this duo be less competitive than this year? This fear will perhaps be offset by the arrival of a 3^e also an experienced driver to take part in the rounds where Dani Sordo will be absent. Those who have not been selected for the full season apply for the half-program with a support role for Thierry Neuville perhaps further reinforced. Eager to move quickly now that the Ott case has been resolved, it would not be surprising if announcements were made before the rally from Japan (November 10-13).

ALSO READ > Hyundai formalizes Tänak's departure at the end of the season