HYUNDAI RAMPS UP ITS CHASE FOR OTT TANAK
Points leader could be set for a change of manufacturer in 2020
Motorsport News understands Hyundai has stepped up its own negotiations with Ott
Tanak for next season.
The Estonian was thought to be facing a straight choice between staying at Toyota and returning to M-sport, but the South Korean firm has reportedly made its intentions clear that it wants the current championship leader in an i20 Coupe WRC.
Tanak wouldn’t be drawn on next season, only reiterating his desire to get his future sorted early in order to focus on what’s looking increasingly like a down-to-the-wire title fight.
MN’S sources have indicated, however, that Hyundai is fastbecoming the most likely option if Tanak does move next season. Toyota’s recent steering issues – which cost Tanak victory and a handsome lead in the title race last time out in Sardinia – have not endeared the series leader to his current employer.
Toyota team principal Tommi Makinen says he will begin serious contract negotiations around Rally Finland time early next month, but some feel the technical issues which have hindered the Yaris WRC this season could be incentive enough for Tanak to jump ship to fellow Far East manufacturer Hyundai. Hyundai team director Andrea Adamo told Motorsport News Tanak wasn’t going to come cheap.
“I think for someone like Tanak you have to have a lot of money,” said Adamo, “and I don’t know if I have that money. So far, I try to look after the people who work loyally with me and in the future we can see what we can do.
“In this moment, I have drivers in the contract with Hyundai. I think it’s [been] quite nice from them. Up and down, but we have seen in Sardinia if you manage these human beings – not only them but the whole team – in the proper way you can have a good performance.
“On the other hand we cannot deny Tanak is a strong driver and I think he’s one of the three at this moment that can fight for the championship.”
Asked if he shared Makinen’s concerns at one team taking more than one of those top three drivers – the Finn has always pointed out that sharing out Tanak, Thierry Neuville and Sebastien Ogier among the teams keeps the sport fair – Adamo’s answer was short.
He said: “If I have the money I would hire all the top drivers in the title [chase], I’m paid to win the championship and not do the promoters’ job.”