We hear from Hyundai Motorsport’s newest driver and the reigning 2019 WRC champion Ott Tänak in a pre-season Q&A.
Q: What have been your first impressions of Hyundai Motorsport since joining the team for 2020?
Ott Tänak (OT): “I have found the team to be extremely passionate and focused. We definitely share the same hunger and aspirations. I am really looking forward to getting our season started at Rallye Monte-Carlo.”
Q: You visited the factory in Alzenau for a seat fitting – did you have chance to meet everyone?
OT: “In the short space of time that we had last month, we immediately got down to work and we were very busy straight away. Everyone has given us their full support. I still have many team members to get to know, but this is normal at the start of a new relationship.”
Q: How was your first test in the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC?
OT: “I was positively surprised after my first run, and I felt good in the car. Each car has its own personality, but so far I can say that the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC is a strong all-round package. We have some more test days before Monte-Carlo, and we will be ready for the first challenge.”
Q: What process do you follow when changing team?
OT: “It’s never easy to change team as there’s a lot of work to do. Firstly, to get to know the people, then – of course – to make yourself comfortable in the car, while adapting to different conditions. We’ve been working closely with the team to be in the best possible shape for Monte-Carlo.”
Q: What are the immediate and longer term objectives from your side?
OT: “We have just won our first WRC title, but a new year means we start again from a blank sheet of paper. I will give all my experience to the team and together we will work hard to defend ours – and the team’s – titles. For Monte-Carlo, I am always looking for a consistent start, to begin the season with a good feeling. For the season, everything is possible. I have a strong team behind me, so we will fight hard.”
The first round of the 2020 World Rally Championship starts on 23 January with Rallye Monte-Carlo, with Tänak and the Hyundai Motorsport squad favoured for the top spot on the podium at the end of the rally.
