88. Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 2020

[mknight]

This. Tänak's crash was so HUGE that it definitely is a relevant question whether he'll be the same again. In a sport where it's all about hundredths per km these kind of things can make the difference. But, having seen what kind of monster Tänak is at the wheel of a World Rally Car, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he comes and dominates in Sweden straight from SS1.

In Sweden he might as well dominate. I don't think it will affect his ability to drive fast/push (= he won't get scared).

But I think it might affect his confidence in the tarmac car. Both Loeb and Mikkelsen had ok-ish speed when they first drove the tarmac i20 , then after a few crashes/small misses from both they stopped trusting it and went backwards. (Mikkelsen crashes/issues in Spain 2017 and Monte 2018, Loeb Corsica 2019)

[doubled1978]

In Sweden he might as well dominate. I don't think it will affect his ability to drive fast/push (= he won't get scared).

But I think it might affect his confidence in the tarmac car. Both Loeb and Mikkelsen had ok-ish speed when they first drove the tarmac i20 , then after a few crashes/small misses from both they stopped trusting it and went backwards. (Mikkelsen crashes/issues in Spain 2017 and Monte 2018, Loeb Corsica 2019)

Maybe, but I suspect he will be just fine. The Hyundai tarmac car is a tricky beast, but if you watch closely Neuville has found a very specific way to get the best out of it without murdering the front tyres with understeer, I think Tanak will be able to do the same and I think his mentality is plenty strong enough to cope with a mistake.