M-Sport and Tanak proved tyre decisions are still crucial
Tyre compounds proved ultimately decisive in determining the outcome of Rally Chile; it's an aspect rarely seen in the modern WRC.
Crews expected abrasive roads ahead of the WRC’s return to the South American nation but not to the extent as witnessed last Saturday.
While there was plenty of focus on Toyota’s ultimately incorrect decision to opt for soft rubber across its entries, M-Sport and Ott Tanak deserved huge credit for being the only crew to take at least four hards.
“I think the whole team is very happy with the position we find ourselves in, and I would say it is not through luck, but strategy and the hard work that we have put in to come here this weekend,” said tam principal Richard Millener.
"The engineers were pushing for this one [tyre call] and I think Ott was 75% sure he wanted to go with this strategy, but was maybe a little bit unsure this morning, but as soon as he got to the end of the first stage he knew he had the best package.
“I think we can be really happy with that, and that for me is a perfect example of teamwork.”
The decision ultimately provided Tanak the platform to complete a tyre saving masterclass to score a convincing 42.1s victory over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville. The win ended an eight-month barren run for the team.
Source: Autosport