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Ott Tänak - Future champion?

What exactly is everyone’s problem here? Ott says that after spending half his life living out of a suitcase, having never been at his daughter's birthday and driving around the world, he wants to actually rest and see his family and suddenly everyone’s flinging crap at him for it. Ogier said the same thing back in 2021 and nobody lost their minds.
 
Guys, calm down, I have nothing against Ott, but after 35 years of career, I know how it feels to be away from home and I respect that. It's certainly one thing to make your hobby a profession and another to have to work to live.
 
flat_right said:
What exactly is everyone’s problem here? Ott says that after spending half his life living out of a suitcase, having never been at his daughter's birthday and driving around the world, he wants to actually rest and see his family and suddenly everyone’s flinging crap at him for it. Ogier said the same thing back in 2021 and nobody lost their minds.
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Exactly... plus Kalle went part-time too and he was much younger and had no family.

It's a perfectly understandable decision and remember that teams are smaller, have fewer test drivers and more PR work than years ago. Plus Tanak is a sporting superstar in Estonia, unlike say Evans who is almost unknown in the UK.
 
I understand his decision. His kids are small and need him at home. Also his wife did get sick and already almost left before. He have a title in the pocket. What he possibly could achieve more if his seasons don't go to the plan? Maybe he will go same route as Ogier and will be back, but only part time, so he will be more with family.

That situation is just saying that this format of events is too tight for everyone. Kalle, Lappi, Ogier, Tanak all saying the same thing. You don't have much time for your own. And FIA want to increase number of events... For who? Eventually everyone will start doing half seasons if this thing will not change.

I mean what could be done? Maybe decrease number of stages, days, kilometres? I thnk that marathon era is long gone. Also if the route would be somehow smaller I think there would be more tight battles also, as everyone would be more focused...
 
spyros said:
14 events = 98 days, where are the others ( 250 - 98 ) 152 days, maybe some testing, but its not 250 days away from home.
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Promo appearances like Goodwood FOS
Trips to the simulators/workshop
Business and negotiations in Korea maybe
Appearances at sponsors
...etc...
 
deephouse said:
I understand his decision. His kids are small and need him at home. Also his wife did get sick and already almost left before. He have a title in the pocket. What he possibly could achieve more if his seasons don't go to the plan? Maybe he will go same route as Ogier and will be back, but only part time, so he will be more with family.

That situation is just saying that this format of events is too tight for everyone. Kalle, Lappi, Ogier, Tanak all saying the same thing. You don't have much time for your own. And FIA want to increase number of events... For who? Eventually everyone will start doing half seasons if this thing will not change.

I mean what could be done? Maybe decrease number of stages, days, kilometres? I thnk that marathon era is long gone. Also if the route would be somehow smaller I think there would be more tight battles also, as everyone would be more focused...
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I know that lot of rally competitors is complaining that they are too long out of the family. But if you look at the other top motorsport actions like Formula 1 or Moto GP, do you think it is better for them? And also if you are tennis player on higher level, do you think it is different?
 
PLuto said:
I know that lot of rally competitors is complaining that they are too long out of the family. But if you look at the other top motorsport actions like Formula 1 or Moto GP, do you think it is better for them? And also if you are tennis player on higher level, do you think it is different?
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Of course it is. Tell me some sports which does have 20+ "matches" for a single event. With season spread across all year and with travelling the whole world. Only one I can think about is rallyraid, but even that sport doesn't have that much events on calendar. I don't say they should reduce calendar, but whole concept is completely wrong for this era. Crews usually come on event at the start of the week, prepare and then intensive race for 3/4 straight days for whole day... The world novadays is different and people, especially new generation does value free time more and believe me... If you have a little extra free time, you can actual do better at what you do.
 
The other thing to consider is Tanak's lack of Championships since leaving Toyota. Six years of struggle and disappointment and inability to show his best with the cars he's driven must've had an effect...
 
deephouse said:
Of course it is. Tell me some sports which does have 20+ "matches" for a single event. With season spread across all year and with travelling the whole world. Only one I can think about is rallyraid, but even that sport doesn't have that much events on calendar. I don't say they should reduce calendar, but whole concept is completely wrong for this era. Crews usually come on event at the start of the week, prepare and then intensive race for 3/4 straight days for whole day... The world novadays is different and people, especially new generation does value free time more and believe me... If you have a little extra free time, you can actual do better at what you do.
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There are actually less rallies compared to not that long ago (used to be 16) and recce and testing is far less than it used to be. While salaries are WAY higher at the top compared to the past.

I think the current older drivers just like to complain a lot. If they don't like it, there are always plenty more coming behind them.

The WRC schedule really is not heavy. It's much lighter than many other motorsports, and indeed other professional sports.
 
denkimi said:
I think that's the real reason. He's just tired of having a car that it almost impossible to set up good, and then breaks when he's fighting for the win.
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Yes, he's got no faith in the Hyundai being any more likely to allow him to fight for the Title next year.

Its the perfect time to take a break and see what the WRC2027 Regs bring.
 
Tänak was a guest in Estonian biggest morning show and answered No with a straight face about the comeback next year and also about competing at rally Estonia

Says he likes the balance of his life at the moment being at home and testing from time to time
 
Saw a headline from some Estonian site and he had said that ,,never say never''.. so might be a hoogah-boogah also..
Noway he is testing so much just for fun
 
I’m not saying I’m believing him. I mean he also said that he won’t do anything regarding rallying for half a year but already in Sweden he coached Taka and in march tested the Toyota car.

Time will tell what happens
 
Heard he was testing some different 2017 WRC's not long ago also, nice to just have some driving for enjoyment also, not all stress
 
I doubt he would say no if toyota asked him to do some rallies. I even doubt if he would say no to a full season if he has a real chance of becoming champion.
 
I guess it depends on Ogier for him to come back (in a Toyota). Otherwise there's no seat available. My money is on Ogier retiring as not wanting to drop to Rally2-speed cars.

Tanak and the other drivers still have the hunger and WRC is their whole life.
 
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