Ott Tanak expressed surprise at his competitiveness in Rally Chile after struggling on Friday. Leading after six stages, he is three seconds behind Toyota’s Elfyn Evans after time adjustments. Tanak credited setup changes for his improved performance, while teammate Thierry Neuville faced difficulties due to a poor car setup. Both will encounter different conditions on Saturday, with tire management being pivotal for success.
Ott Tanak expressed his astonishment at finding himself in contention for victory in Rally Chile, despite initially doubting his prospects following a challenging first stage on Friday. The 2019 World Champion and Hyundai driver made significant progress during the day, finishing the six stages with a narrow lead over Toyota’s Elfyn Evans. However, he will enter Saturday’s stages three seconds behind Evans due to an adjustment made to Evans’ notional time. Tanak struggled to maintain control of his i20 N on the slippery gravel roads and had to adjust the car’s setup frequently throughout Friday to gain confidence and ultimately take the lead in the timesheets. “I definitely am [surprised to be in this position] – after the first stage I said to the engineers that a top six or top eight is the maximum, it was not driving at all,” Tanak remarked. He noted that, although he and his teammates were experiencing difficulties with the car, their performance improved in the afternoon as grip conditions enhanced. Looking ahead, Saturday’s stages will present a different challenge due to a more abrasive road surface, making tire management critical. Tanak, who mastered similar conditions the previous year en route to victory, is optimistic about his potential performance. He stated, “The characteristics is completely different for sure but normally from the road we should get more grip and much better road positions and altogether we should be in a better position.” In contrast, his teammate Thierry Neuville attributed his struggles on Friday to an incorrect setup. Neuville, finishing the day in sixth position, reported significant difficulty with his car’s performance and expressed a need for greater speed and confidence to move up the ranks. “I think we were just on the wrong set-up as I cannot explain how I could’ve struggled that much out there,” stated Neuville. Overall, Friday was a day of mixed fortunes for Hyundai, with Tanak showing resilience and determination while Neuville faced challenges that he hopes to overcome in subsequent stages.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is known for its rigorous and demanding rally events, where drivers face a variety of road conditions and landscapes. Rally Chile, a key event in the WRC calendar, presents challenges such as fluctuating grip levels on gravel roads. Ott Tanak, a prominent figure in the championship, is known for his driving prowess and adaptability. His recent experiences reveal the psychological and technical aspects of rally driving, where initial setbacks can lead to unexpected outcomes. Hyundai, a leading team in WRC, has had to navigate the competitive landscape against formidable rivals such as Toyota, making the performance of their drivers critical to their success in the championship.
In conclusion, Ott Tanak’s surprising ascent in the standings after a challenging start to Rally Chile highlights both his adaptability and potential for success. His remarks reflect the mental and technical challenges inherent in WRC driving, particularly when dealing with dynamic and demanding road conditions. Conversely, Thierry Neuville’s struggles underline the importance of precise vehicle setup and performance consistency. As the rally progresses, effective tire management and car handling will be crucial in determining the final outcomes for both drivers.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
