The Hyundai driver heads to Portugal this week – which marks the beginning of the WRC’s conventional gravel season – sitting fourth within the championship and 33 factors adrift of championship chief and team-mate Thierry Neuville.
After uncharacteristic errors in Monte Carlo and Sweden, Tanak confirmed indicators of his tempo in Kenya earlier than an unlucky crash from second place. Regardless of combating the steadiness of his i20 N in Croatia final month, Tanak picked up his greatest factors haul of the season, claiming 20 factors from the brand new scoring system after ending fourth general.
However a transfer to gravel is seen as an opportunity for Tanak to point out his potential having scored 12 of his 19 WRC wins on the floor, starring behind the wheel of the I20 N again in 2022.
“It’s positively the chance now [to score points] and I actually hope that we discover a good feeling within the automotive, and clearly we haven’t been driving on gravel for a very long time,” Tanak informed Autosport.
“Safari was very particular however principally the check will probably be our first feeling on gravel and hopefully we will make it work and be aggressive in Portugal.
“Like I stated Safari could be very distinctive and really tough, so the automobiles are fairly totally different after we go to Portugal, so let’s see how we evaluate.”
Tanak also needs to profit from the street order, beginning fourth whereas Neuville will probably face the worst of the circumstances appearing as street sweeper. The Belgian is hoping for rain to ease the ache of street cleansing however is anticipating a tricky weekend.
Picture by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“I’m glad to nonetheless be within the lead at the very least hold our benefit as a result of there isn’t a secret that from Portugal on it’ll be robust for us with a number of gravel rallies in a row,” Neuville informed Autosport.
“Apart from actually heavy rain and plenty of troublesome circumstances, will probably be robust for us to attain many factors at the very least on Friday and Saturday, possibly on Sunday we might be a bit higher if we now have a greater street place.
“In Portugal we’re main the championship and opening the street. Now we have Kalle [Rovanpera] in seventh on the street [Sebastien] Ogier in fifth and Tanak fourth, so what are you able to do.
“The automotive has improved loads, however I believe we nonetheless have some work left. The Toyotas are very fast at such occasions, however like all the time we hold attempting.”