Ott Tanak WRC title speak can now get a huge boost as it has been decided formally that Hyundai has decided to support their top talent to the end of the world rally championship of 2025. The disparate campaign by the Estonian during the preceding year has faded behind with the aid of Hyundai as well as enhanced reliability in the i20 N Rally1 in addition to the revived confidence of the team and as a result Tanak is currently well positioned to challenge the title with Toyota and Kalle Rovanpera.

The campaigning up to this moment by Tanak has left much to be desired. The Estonian driver had an annoying beginning of the season, struggling against technical problems and a streak of varying results that would destroy his claim of the title much more before it even started. However, as usual Tanak, he continued grinding without letting the structure of failure derail his ambitions. That determination started bearing fruits halfway through the season as he returned into the fold with breakthrough performances. Win at rallies and podiums were reminders to both fans and opponents alike, that he has not just the traits of the world champion in 2019. What is more important is that those results confirmed Hyundai of his capability to deliver at all times when it is the most.

Variation between victory and defeat. Such dedication has earned Tanak a psychological advantage in that he is assured that the whole team supports him. This demonstration of faith has been priceless to a driver who lives on trust and unity. His close links with workers, especially the engineers, have made his tasks easier and this aspect has translated to easier communication during the rallies as well as faster resolution of occasionally arising issues, which are solved on the fly.

Nevertheless, Tanak has a lack of challenges. Rovanpera lives up to the hype and embodies a mixture of young fears and matureness beyond his age. The depth in terms of consistency is also a strength of Toyota through various drivers, and having an experienced driver like Sebastien Ogier can also act as a wild card and can sway the outcome whenever he shows his face. Even M-Sport, though not literally fighting with the title has managed to be disruptive by taking points in individual rallies. On this background, Tanak has an uphill job to do but not impossible.

The timing is what is so important about the decision made by Hyundai. The championship is in its cutthroat stage with only a few more rallies to come. Tanak recognizes that it is at least equally important finish at the front regularly, as it is to pursue outright wins. Risk management will play a major role here; hard enough to be ahead of his competitors, but too smart to make the kinds of mistakes that might see him end his title expectations instantly. Other factors that contribute to unpredictability are weather conditions and the changes in surfaces, which may be gravel, tarmac and snow. The fact that Tanak is seen as versatile in all these terrains might be the card of death.

The call by Hyundai beyond the immediate battle to the championship continues to cite Hyundai wider interests in the world rallying. Through such support to Tanak, the manufacturer is promoting itself as a team that does not just compete, but has ambitions of ruling. It appeals to its rivals, fans and even future recruits that Hyundai is committed in creating some form of legacy within the sport. Even though Tanak is the one in the center of this approach, they can invest in developing young drivers as they will take over it in the future. In that respect, the relocation of Hyundai is more of the future than present.

To Tanak, this re-enlivened help is not only a boost to morale, it is an opportunity to leave additional signature in rallying history. Having already established himself as the world champion previously, he now has a chance to make a one of the strongest comeback stories in the recent WRC history. In Hyundai, it is a time to finally turn many years of potential to a long-run victory. To the fans, it ensures what will remain a championship battle to the wire that takes tension, speed and the form of drama that can only be brought about by rallying.

The fact that Hyundai asked Ott Tanak to have their side might end up being remembered as the leading moment of the 2025 season. It is yet to be determined whether it translates into a championship but one thing is definite the competition to make rallying the largest prize will now be a lot more entertaining.

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