Originally Posted by
EstWRC
yes, they go by championship order
a long interview with Tänak in estonian newspaper and i thought some bits may interest you. i translated it question-answer format. ill start with the most interesting one.
- You were there when Ogier was testing the new car. Was there anything to learn from him or was it just a test ride and there wasnt really a working process?
Tänak: Ogier is very professional. Did i learn something, i dont know. Ogier came, saw and drove the car and left. We had a little chat, shared our thoughts and altogether we had the same opinion about the car. Every driver has his driving style and favourite set-up but in general the understanding about the car we have is the same.
- the current car and the new car you are testing are very different. Did you have to change your mindset when going from one car to another?
Tänak: Yes, the cars are different and the biggest difference is in power. Old machines feel powerless compared to the new ones. In the beginning it was difficult to get used to it in testing and at rallies but after some time it got easier. We knew what to expect.
- Next season every team will come out with new car. What do you think, how the field is shaking up?
Tänak: It will be interesting. Everyone is hoping that the cars will be equal and the competition will be tight. I believe it will be because the requirements and terms set by FIA are quite restricted and the clever engineers are able to get maximum out of the car right away. We will get a some kind of picture in Monte how the cars are working in different conditions.
- How do you rate the new Ford?
Tänak: It feels a good car. How good it really is, depends how good car the others have. We are really close to ideal conditon - M-sport has done a really good job.
- The cars are getting more powerful. In 80's they went the same route that the cars went powerful, lighter and it made the sport dangerous. Can the danger be avoided now?
Tänak: Now safety is more important than it was back then and i want to believe that everything is under control. Safety is number one and after that everything is made to make it more spectacular. Back then the cars were powerful but there was very little control over the cars, now they have much more control. With these new cars, it will depend a lot about driving skills and big balls (this is my translation, he did say courage) and to make big gaps should be easier.
