Ott Tänak - Future champion?

[cali]

Amazing how smart some people are! one different angle video and all clear :)

Thanks, it's not easy but somebody's gotta do it 😉

[becher]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https://ralli.ee/&feature=emb_logo&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDI4NjY2&v=BxkzNLqOScA


maybe someone can explain how the front driver side pushes down to the ground so quickly? Aero working like this from an angle? Car is straight and then the left front snaps down and flips the car
Weight transfer is most likely the biggest factor not aero. He came very sideways into the jump, when you brake before the jump just a little at that angle, the front left is bound to dive.

[becher]

Amazing how smart some people are! one different angle video and all clear :)
On the contrary some people are so overly smart that they can see the first video of the incident and can proclaim imidiatly that it was a car failure.

[jparker]

How ironic, discussing rooky mistake in a thread for "Future Champion".
Tanak is made up hero, his fame comes from social media, rather than actual results.

[bandit12]

How ironic, discussing rooky mistake in a thread for "Future Champion".
Tanak is made up hero, his fame comes from social media, rather than actual results.
I am so happy for you.

[flat_right]

How ironic, discussing rooky mistake in a thread for "Future Champion".
Tanak is made up hero, his fame comes from social media, rather than actual results.

Crazy... another keyboard warrior. I don't know if you just woke up but Tänak is not a "Future Champion". In fact, he won 2019 WRC World Rally Championship.

And about the rookie mistake, we don't know yet. This was posted before but who didn't see or read, I'll post again. Urmo Aava, the organizer of ERC Rally Estonia, who went to the scene, told this to the rally radio: "I don't really want to comment, they'll speak for themselves. There was an opinion that the car made some strange moves. Probably some surprise with the differential. Otherwise, the pace notes and the driving line were correct." And believe me, he didn't ask from the spectators. And also, if he hadn't heard this from Ott, he wouldn't have speculated this in the media. The section itself is nothing special. Something happened before the jump, was it a compression/bottoming of the car which then unsettled it, we don't know.

[jparker]

Ogier went to Ford and made them champions. Tanak did the same without much success.
One time champ with superior car doesn't make you great.

[EstWRC]

well im thankful we have social media nowadays, otherwise i wouldnt have heard about this Tänak guy who hasnt achieved anything.

[Sal yet again]

Once again makes you realise how unlucky Craig was..

[macebig]

Eh, it's a mixed bag. Ogier won in the Fiesta that was mainly developed by Tanak. And it's a possibility the easier to handle with larger performance window Puma we see in Fourmaux's hands today is a byproduct of Tanak's feedback from last year.

[TypeR]

Ogier went to Ford and made them champions. Tanak did the same without much success.
One time champ with superior car doesn't make you great.
Grumpy man in bad mood..

If Tanak is what you said.. (don't know if u have bad memory or not..)
He was the first driver to break 15 year Loeb/Ogier dominance..

Tgen what about some of many drivers like Latvala, Hirvonen, Sordo, Neuville..?

But oh well.. :D

[becher]

Ogier went to Ford and made them champions. Tanak did the same without much success.
One time champ with superior car doesn't make you great.

The Fiesta was the best car in 2017 and still a championship contending car in 2018.

[trykmann]

The Fiesta was the best car in 2017 and still a championship contending car in 2018.

The Fiesta was good right from the start, but I think the i20 was better. Thierry just couldn't handle the pressure during the second part of the season.

[becher]

The Fiesta was good right from the start, but I think the i20 was better. Thierry just couldn't handle the pressure during the second part of the season.
Very OT but check which car finished at least second on any event that year. The Neuville-i20 combo was maybe the fastest on occasion but that doesn't mean the best.

[Eli]

Is there any news regarding next year as to staying with Hyundai or is it a bit too early to ask?

[CeskyOndra]

Is there any news regarding next year as to staying with Hyundai or is it a bit too early to ask?

Where do you want him to go? Ford is not right option for him and Toyota has full house..

[Eli]

Where do you want him to go? Ford is not right option for him and Toyota has full house..

Don’t want him to go anywhere lol, just asked if anyone here knows/remembers/has some information if Ott’s contract is up for renewal at the end of this year.

[EstWRC]

Not knowing the details but as I have understand he should have 1+1 contract with Hyundai.

I know I sound stupid but I still haven’t given up the dream of him joining Toyota again. lol

[EstWRC]

Cyril saying here that Tänak has a contract with them for next year

https://www-rallit-fi.translate.goog/hyundai-pomo-vastasi-kuumaan-kysymykseen-mielestani-meilla-on-varaa-odottaa/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[CeskyOndra]

Ott's succesful weekend at home:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9-kf1Pupn-/?igsh=amozMm0ybm56aWdw

[jparker]

Damn differential, locked again on me.

[bandit12]

Damn differential, locked again on me.

Did you broke your fleshlight again?

[EstWRC]

Ironic that he lost the title with his two strongest rallies, Sweden and Finland, both driving mistakes.

Sweden just 6 points and Finland 0 points.

I’m not either hopeful for next year. It’s clear through all these 4 Hyundai years they can’t get the car to his liking

[rp]

No chance for Tänak next year if Kalle is driving full season.

[deephouse]

Haven't Hyundai get some special jokers for next year, as they were crying so hard?

[Eli]

Haven't Hyundai get some special jokers for next year, as they were crying so hard?

Yes they do, but who knows now how much they’ll invest in a car for their (now most likely) last season.

[trykmann]

Interesting interview with Ott
https://youtu.be/ZgGamWwJ4Z8?si=WtN6VVi-VweRv985

It is done before Greece.

[EstWRC]

Interesting interview with Ott
https://youtu.be/ZgGamWwJ4Z8?si=WtN6VVi-VweRv985

It is done before Greece.

Has also English subtitles if others are interested.

Kinda Funny how he didn’t recognize the Rally Estonia stage by the pacenotes

[EstWRC]

Worst season since 2012?

So many driving mistakes, like too many

I’m keeping my hopes very low for 2025 at the moment.

[Eli]

Worst season since 2012?

So many driving mistakes, like too many

I’m keeping my hopes very low for 2025 at the moment.

I think the new points scoring system has added pressure to all of them 'cause all of a sudden they had 2 rallies in 1, and I think Tänak himself felt more pressure this year knowing that Kalle wouldn't do the whole season; Add to that being out of that car for 202. On the other hand Neuville knew this was his best chance to get his title and did everything he could to get it, and he did.

[flat_right]

I hadn't seen this video yet where we can see the deer jumping in front of Tänak's car. He really had no chance...

https://youtu.be/6WzNX64wiWw?si=AXGBO4iWoJXXVNO5&t=1648 I pasted it with timestamp but if it opens from the start then it starts at 27:28 mark.

[flat_right]

I don’t know whether it was intentional or just a coincidence, but yesterday was Father’s Day here in Estonia. It felt quite symbolic that Ott chose that moment to let his family and children know that from now on he’s going to be home and spend more time with them (surely they knew beforehand, but I mean as a public announcement). Urmo Aava has said that Ott is away approximately 250 days a year, and being a father myself, it’s hard to imagine living like that. From that perspective, it’s completely understandable, and I’m genuinely happy for him.

But as a fan of Ott and Martin, I’m going to allow myself to be sad for a while. It has been a crazy ride, where we’ve experienced the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. In a way, I knew this day would come, but mentally I was preparing myself for the end of 2026. So although I knew it was inevitable, yesterday’s announcement still caught me by surprise, to say the least.

I think I’m going to write something longer after Saudi, once the first emotions from yesterday’s announcement have settled a bit. But for now, I’d like to end with a line from Martin Järveoja’s post: It’s been one hell of a ride… and I didn’t even have to drive!

[Dontcut]

Intresting to see what this does to Estonian Rally media and hype.
Rally Estonia will take impact anyway, because one thing is Tänak just driving there with one outing, but other thing seeing him challenging for WDC.
Estonian media also needs new clickbait personality.
And you gotta feel for estonian flag salespersons also :)

[trykmann]

After winning the title in 2019 and all the struggles afterwards it always felt like he still had one more title to win. Reminds me a bit of Petter Solbergs last years with Subaru, where the car wasn't comparable with Citroen anymore.

Still even if Tänak doesn't compete anymore at all he has achieved already more than enough. With his raw speed, world title and 22 event wins he has written himself to the history books as one of the greatest and his talent will be remembered for a long time.

[flat_right]

I think that from this point of view, there would be even more Estonians coming to Rally Estonia if Ott has only this one outing in 2026. They will surely advertise it as “Come see Ott for the last time” or something like that :D So all the people who have never seen him drive would want to come.

And it has already been confirmed that there will be an Estonian in a Rally1 car. Even if Ott doesn’t drive, I think most rally fans will still come to see him. (Virves, Linnamäe, or Jürgenson are the candidates.)

[bandit12]

Well, my life just got easier. There’s no one left to cheer for anymore, so I’ll have more free time on weekends. My wife will be happy

[meh]

I don’t know whether it was intentional or just a coincidence, but yesterday was Father’s Day here in Estonia. It felt quite symbolic that Ott chose that moment to let his family and children know that from now on he’s going to be home and spend more time with them (surely they knew beforehand, but I mean as a public announcement). Urmo Aava has said that Ott is away approximately 250 days a year, and being a father myself, it’s hard to imagine living like that. From that perspective, it’s completely understandable, and I’m genuinely happy for him.

But as a fan of Ott and Martin, I’m going to allow myself to be sad for a while. It has been a crazy ride, where we’ve experienced the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. In a way, I knew this day would come, but mentally I was preparing myself for the end of 2026. So although I knew it was inevitable, yesterday’s announcement still caught me by surprise, to say the least.

I think I’m going to write something longer after Saudi, once the first emotions from yesterday’s announcement have settled a bit. But for now, I’d like to end with a line from Martin Järveoja’s post: It’s been one hell of a ride… and I didn’t even have to drive!

Very well written and said, reflects exactly my thoughts and feelings.

I'm glad that I was in Salou in 2019 to witness winning the title with tens of thousands of Estonians. It was surreal to experience. Singing the national anthem when celebrating after the finish line was for sure quite emotional for the entire field.

But there have been every kind of feelings.

Back in the days without all-live and only radio coverage, when he drove into the lake in Mexico in 2015. Colin was the stage-end reporter; they did not have any information either, and when they got the info or assumption the car went into the lake, then Colin just said in the background, "oh dear..", for some time, everyone lived without the knowledge, are they were alive at all. Luckily, today we just have the TiTänak story to tell.

Another scary thing to witness was the crash in Monte Carlo 2020, crash in the local South Estonian rally 2024, or Rally Finland crash 2024.

But why do people like Tänak? It is his crazy pace on the fast stuff like Finland, Poland, Estonia, and some South American stuff as well.

Crazy rally win with Hyundai in Finland 2022. What actually makes this win crazy is the background information; Just before the rally started, he got really bad news on a family member's health and was ready to cancel the event and go back to Estonia.

As a rally fan, it is a sad day. As a human being, I wish Ott and Martin the best recovery and charging, to fulfill our news feed again with something new, or just enjoy their relaxed life if this is what they actually need.

[spyros]

Very well written and said, reflects exactly my thoughts and feelings.

I'm glad that I was in Salou in 2019 to witness winning the title with tens of thousands of Estonians. It was surreal to experience. Singing the national anthem when celebrating after the finish line was for sure quite emotional for the entire field.

But there have been every kind of feelings.

Back in the days without all-live and only radio coverage, when he drove into the lake in Mexico in 2015. Colin was the stage-end reporter; they did not have any information either, and when they got the info or assumption the car went into the lake, then Colin just said in the background, "oh dear..", for some time, everyone lived without the knowledge, are they were alive at all. Luckily, today we just have the TiTänak story to tell.

Another scary thing to witness was the crash in Monte Carlo 2020, crash in the local South Estonian rally 2024, or Rally Finland crash 2024.

But why do people like Tänak? It is his crazy pace on the fast stuff like Finland, Poland, Estonia, and some South American stuff as well.

Crazy rally win with Hyundai in Finland 2022. What actually makes this win crazy is the background information; Just before the rally started, he got really bad news on a family member's health and was ready to cancel the event and go back to Estonia.

As a rally fan, it is a sad day. As a human being, I wish Ott and Martin the best recovery and charging, to fulfill our news feed again with something new, or just enjoy their relaxed life if this is what they actually need.

Very well posts reflects my feelings too.

[jparker]

Cheer up guys, he will be back 2028 with Lancia ;)

[EstWRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-chose-to-leave-wrc-in-the-summer/

Doesn’t sounds very optimistic about coming back at the moment at least

[meh]

In Estonian media (at the end of the interview), the tone is that he did not want to make a definite decision (or a "show" as he called it) if there may be a theoretical chance that he may want to drive in the future again. But from the interview, it feels like he just left the door open, but there is no clear plan for this (again, this is how it feels based on the interview, and this may mean nothing).

Link: https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120419778/delfi-video-jiddah-st-ott-tanak-karjaaris-pausi-tegemisest-polnud-motet-suurt-soud-teha-kui-akki-tuled-uuesti-soitma

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nothing new... its been the same for years. If he's not competing for rally wins and the Championship he's miserable and un-motivated.

I dont see him coming back unless he somehow gets a seat at Toyota.

[deephouse]

Or there will be somehow other options than M-Sport or Hyundai. Something that can challenge Toyota.

[trykmann]

Seems understandable in every way. He has been been there for many years and as a athlete you want to be competitive. When a driver is starting his career, then you obviously take every opportunity to drive and a top 5 finish is a reason for celebration. For him there is no point being there anymore, if you can't be as competitive as you would like to be.

It seems he is open to negotioans, if there is a good offer on the table. 2027 is still so unclear and if Rally2 cars are driving for rally wins, then there might be some options. Eventually even M-sport has to develop something.

[deephouse]

For my opinion quite ''cowardly'' reason for quitting the WRC. He is competitive, but the car sadly isn't, at least in the reliability department. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against him, as I want more competition for wins and the title.. As there is chance that potential ''new'' teams could see a value getting in the sport if there could be good drivers for grab, and not just 2 best and 10 nothing special and 77 underperforming for WRC standard... I bet if Toyota would show interest in him for 2026, he wouldn't even hesitate of continuing. So I also understand his decision, as currently there isn't any better option at all. But what would be if Rossi or Hamilton would leave immediately when they didn't won anymore? I know bad example, as there is more competition and it's not this a problem at all, but in WRC every driver currently is crucial for the sport (didn't include M-Sport).

I hope Tanak will be back soon, as Kalle will not be, probably. I honestly thought that Ogier will be the one retiring for good, but having him become very crucial, even if he is after the title(s) with his ''surprisingly game'' not competing the whole season. At least for the time, we will get someone new in the game (Solberg, Fourmaux...).

As regarding M-Sport, I hope they will continue, no matter what car. Usually when they develop new car, they are competitive as hell at first, but they will need to sort out the drivers.

[EstWRC]

Have wanted to write for a long time something but i didnt know even know where to start. Like one user said here, mentally i was prepared for these news at the end of 2026, soo it was actually a little shock for me when the announcement came after Japan. But now after some weeks and interviews I fully understand the decision.

Everybody here knows that I am huge fan of him and have been following him since the early days, on one hand I am very happy what he achieved, but on the other hand I feel that it wasnt as much as he could have done, when he wouldnt have left Toyota or the Hyundai project would have worked out. As I have understood then Adamo had promised him great things but unfortunately COVID hit the first year with Hyundai, they couldnt develop and test the car, next year Adamo was kicked out of the team and the 2022 car was delayed and was/is fundamentally wrong. But this misfortune or bad luck has been there with him the whole career and kinda describes it but he never gave up.

It was amazing also to see his growth, he was just very fast in the beginning but crash prone, but later on came to be one of the most reliable drivers., also the evolution on technical rallies and on tarmac, although i would say he was quite handy already in the beginning on tarmac.

IMO he is definitely one of the fastest drivers ever in WRC by pure raw natural speed. I remember some of the crazy stage times already from the Pirelli Star Driver days with the Mitsubishi in 2010.

Then in 2011 with the Fiesta S2000 7th place in overall in Sardegna, on Rally Finland showing TOP6 times on stages and competing with the big guys, the debut at the end of 2011 with the WRC machine and on Dmack tyres.

Poland 2015 fighting against the almighty VW-s.

2018 Rally Argentina; 2018 Rally Finland, dont remember what stage and the name of the stage but it was 20km long and he beat Ogier and Neuville there by 15 and 20 seconds who both started just right in front of him. I remember i was at that stage side and I couldnt just believe my eyes when i saw the splits coming in on WRC+, i refreshed it so many times to be sure it isnt a glitch.

The whole 2019 year but especially the 2019 Rally Spain PS STAGE where he overtook Sordo in overall and clinched the title, i mean to go and drive like that with such a pressure, one of his finest stages IMO. I could go on but these are what i remembered from top of my head.

When everything clicked, like it did in 2018 and 2019, then he was just unbeatable.

I will miss him big time but luckily we have youngsters coming up in the ranks, Virves, Jürgenson and Jaspar Vaher, who is the most exciting one for me, the last time i was so excited about a talent was with Tänak.

Like Järveoja said "it has been hell of a ride and i wasnt even the driver!". I will miss him big time and I hope they do at least Rally Estonia next year for final good-bye if they dont come back for full anymore.

[deephouse]

I came up on article that he almost left already two years ago, because his wife get very sick and she wish him to continue

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak explains why he wants a break:

“Generally, with the seasons [and how they work], it is definitely the worst sport you can have. You just go all around and there is never a break. The calendar is crazy stupid, and you don't have a single break in the year and you go like this for 15 years and that is where you are.

I'm not sure if I will do some local rallies [next year], I’m not sure what is the case at the moment. The first plan is to switch off from the sport and all the work in the background, and let’s see what the rest brings. But I have a few holidays planned.”

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/ott-tanak-looking-forward-to-break-from-full-time-rallying-next-year/10781121/

[flat_right]

In Saudi Arabia, an Estonian reporter asked both Ott and Martin about their plans for next year in rallying. Ott said that he has scheduled vacations for all the rally weekends so he wouldn't have time to follow any rallies (and therefor also participate). Martin said that he won’t think about rallying for a couple of months and will then see what life brings. Don't know if he meant for both of them or just about his personal plans.

But let's see, having read all the articles and watched all the interviews, it is clear that they both still love rallying and I'm 99% sure they will drive some WRC rallies in the future (Ogier's car is free during the Rally Estonia ;) ). It's just this calendar is built this way that there is no time to rest from rallying.

[denkimi]

Tanak explains why he wants a break:

“Generally, with the seasons [and how they work], it is definitely the worst sport you can have. You just go all around and there is never a break. The calendar is crazy stupid, and you don't have a single break in the year and you go like this for 15 years and that is where you are.

I'm not sure if I will do some local rallies [next year], I’m not sure what is the case at the moment. The first plan is to switch off from the sport and all the work in the background, and let’s see what the rest brings. But I have a few holidays planned.”

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/ott-tanak-looking-forward-to-break-from-full-time-rallying-next-year/10781121/
Wait till he gets a real job and finds out most people work a lot more than the 14 weeks + a few testing days he does.

[trykmann]

You do underastand full time drivers are per year about 250 days away from home?

[denkimi]

You do underastand full time drivers are per year about 250 days away from home?
With only 14 rallies that take one week, and only 21 test days allowed for all drivers of a team combined, i find that hard to believe.

Where will they go those other 150 days? What will they do? Yes, they will do some promotion and drive around the factory a bit to help development, but nowhere near 150 days unless they really really want to.

[flat_right]

With only 14 rallies that take one week, and only 21 test days allowed for all drivers of a team combined, i find that hard to believe.

Where will they go those other 150 days? What will they do? Yes, they will do some promotion and drive around the factory a bit to help development, but nowhere near 150 days unless they really really want to.


Wait till he gets a real job and finds out most people work a lot more than the 14 weeks + a few testing days he does.

It was never about work hours, it was about being away from home for so long. And I'd rather believe people who know. Even if you take only the known days (14*9 (one day to arrive and one day to leave)) + test days lets say 8*3) is already 150. Then there are test days in the Finland, probably some days in the factory, FIA events so I think easily 200.

[bandit12]

Wait till he gets a real job and finds out most people work a lot more than the 14 weeks + a few testing days he does.

Looking at this man's growing business empire, I doubt he will ever need to go to a regular day job

[rallyfiend]

You do underastand full time drivers are per year about 250 days away from home?

There is zero chance they spend even half that away from home on mandatory requirements. And they get paid millions and millions, so hard to be sympathetic.

And when not on a rally, what do they need to do? Mow the lawn? Ride their mountain bike?

[rallyfiend]

In most cases the drivers will arrive on Monday night, and leave on Sunday night. It's 7 days for each event......

[spyros]

In most cases the drivers will arrive on Monday night, and leave on Sunday night. It's 7 days for each event......

14 events = 98 days, where are the others ( 250 - 98 ) 152 days, maybe some testing, but its not 250 days away from home.

[flat_right]

14 events = 98 days, where are the others ( 250 - 98 ) 152 days, maybe some testing, but its not 250 days away from home.

Just stop it! You guys are all guessing. I'll take what Urmo Aava said (former rally driver, organizer of Rally Estonia) and Ott Tänak himself.

Sadly there is no English version but at 19:45 Ott says "Julgelt rohkem kui 200 päeva kodust ära" which to translate is "easily more than 200 days away from home" https://jupiter.err.ee/922162/hommik-anuga

[TypeR]

Understandable, but no too sad though..

They have chosen it and get paid for it + they don't have to deal with plane/hotel booking, cooking, car rentals etc..

[flat_right]

What exactly is everyone’s problem here? Ott says that after spending half his life living out of a suitcase, having never been at his daughter's birthday and driving around the world, he wants to actually rest and see his family and suddenly everyone’s flinging crap at him for it. Ogier said the same thing back in 2021 and nobody lost their minds.

[EstWRC]

Because he is Tänak.

Just avoid those 2 members like I do

But yeah, unbelievable that they are smarter than actually people in the series

[spyros]

Guys, calm down, I have nothing against Ott, but after 35 years of career, I know how it feels to be away from home and I respect that. It's certainly one thing to make your hobby a profession and another to have to work to live.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What exactly is everyone’s problem here? Ott says that after spending half his life living out of a suitcase, having never been at his daughter's birthday and driving around the world, he wants to actually rest and see his family and suddenly everyone’s flinging crap at him for it. Ogier said the same thing back in 2021 and nobody lost their minds.

Exactly... plus Kalle went part-time too and he was much younger and had no family.

It's a perfectly understandable decision and remember that teams are smaller, have fewer test drivers and more PR work than years ago. Plus Tanak is a sporting superstar in Estonia, unlike say Evans who is almost unknown in the UK.

[deephouse]

I understand his decision. His kids are small and need him at home. Also his wife did get sick and already almost left before. He have a title in the pocket. What he possibly could achieve more if his seasons don't go to the plan? Maybe he will go same route as Ogier and will be back, but only part time, so he will be more with family.

That situation is just saying that this format of events is too tight for everyone. Kalle, Lappi, Ogier, Tanak all saying the same thing. You don't have much time for your own. And FIA want to increase number of events... For who? Eventually everyone will start doing half seasons if this thing will not change.

I mean what could be done? Maybe decrease number of stages, days, kilometres? I thnk that marathon era is long gone. Also if the route would be somehow smaller I think there would be more tight battles also, as everyone would be more focused...

[WRCStan]

14 events = 98 days, where are the others ( 250 - 98 ) 152 days, maybe some testing, but its not 250 days away from home.

Promo appearances like Goodwood FOS
Trips to the simulators/workshop
Business and negotiations in Korea maybe
Appearances at sponsors
...etc...

[PLuto]

I understand his decision. His kids are small and need him at home. Also his wife did get sick and already almost left before. He have a title in the pocket. What he possibly could achieve more if his seasons don't go to the plan? Maybe he will go same route as Ogier and will be back, but only part time, so he will be more with family.

That situation is just saying that this format of events is too tight for everyone. Kalle, Lappi, Ogier, Tanak all saying the same thing. You don't have much time for your own. And FIA want to increase number of events... For who? Eventually everyone will start doing half seasons if this thing will not change.

I mean what could be done? Maybe decrease number of stages, days, kilometres? I thnk that marathon era is long gone. Also if the route would be somehow smaller I think there would be more tight battles also, as everyone would be more focused...

I know that lot of rally competitors is complaining that they are too long out of the family. But if you look at the other top motorsport actions like Formula 1 or Moto GP, do you think it is better for them? And also if you are tennis player on higher level, do you think it is different?

[Steve Boyd]

You do underastand full time drivers are per year about 250 days away from home?
My dad was a seagoing marine engineer and was away a lot more than that.

[deephouse]

I know that lot of rally competitors is complaining that they are too long out of the family. But if you look at the other top motorsport actions like Formula 1 or Moto GP, do you think it is better for them? And also if you are tennis player on higher level, do you think it is different?

Of course it is. Tell me some sports which does have 20+ "matches" for a single event. With season spread across all year and with travelling the whole world. Only one I can think about is rallyraid, but even that sport doesn't have that much events on calendar. I don't say they should reduce calendar, but whole concept is completely wrong for this era. Crews usually come on event at the start of the week, prepare and then intensive race for 3/4 straight days for whole day... The world novadays is different and people, especially new generation does value free time more and believe me... If you have a little extra free time, you can actual do better at what you do.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The other thing to consider is Tanak's lack of Championships since leaving Toyota. Six years of struggle and disappointment and inability to show his best with the cars he's driven must've had an effect...

[rallyfiend]

Of course it is. Tell me some sports which does have 20+ "matches" for a single event. With season spread across all year and with travelling the whole world. Only one I can think about is rallyraid, but even that sport doesn't have that much events on calendar. I don't say they should reduce calendar, but whole concept is completely wrong for this era. Crews usually come on event at the start of the week, prepare and then intensive race for 3/4 straight days for whole day... The world novadays is different and people, especially new generation does value free time more and believe me... If you have a little extra free time, you can actual do better at what you do.

There are actually less rallies compared to not that long ago (used to be 16) and recce and testing is far less than it used to be. While salaries are WAY higher at the top compared to the past.

I think the current older drivers just like to complain a lot. If they don't like it, there are always plenty more coming behind them.

The WRC schedule really is not heavy. It's much lighter than many other motorsports, and indeed other professional sports.

[denkimi]

The other thing to consider is Tanak's lack of Championships since leaving Toyota. Six years of struggle and disappointment and inability to show his best with the cars he's driven must've had an effect...
I think that's the real reason. He's just tired of having a car that it almost impossible to set up good, and then breaks when he's fighting for the win.

[flat_right]

At least based on this, we won't see him in WRC next year. Full shut down.

https://rallyjournal.com/ott-tanak-shuts-down-talk-of-a-wrc-return/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think that's the real reason. He's just tired of having a car that it almost impossible to set up good, and then breaks when he's fighting for the win.

Yes, he's got no faith in the Hyundai being any more likely to allow him to fight for the Title next year.

Its the perfect time to take a break and see what the WRC2027 Regs bring.