Hyundai’s new signing has admitted his season to date has “not been great” after costly mistakes in both the Monte Carlo season opener and last weekend’s visit to Sweden.
The 2019 world champion, touted among the favourites to challenge for this year’s title, is fifth in the championship standings, 27 points behind team-mate and championship leader Neuville, and 24 adrift of Toyota’s Evans.
Tanak finished a distant fourth behind winner Neuville in Monte Carlo after losing time when caught out by a patch of ice and was then hampered by an anti-lag system issue on his i20 N.
In Sweden, he salvaged six points after crashing out on stage four while sitting in third spot. Tanak was able to rejoin the rally where he benefitted from the championship’s new points system to secure Super Sunday and Power Stage points. Team-mate Esapekka Lappi won the rally to continue Hyundai’s perfect start to 2024.
While Tanak already faces a deficit to his rivals after two events, the Estonian is not pushing the panic button.
“No, I’m not worried about the championship. It is not great to start the season like this, but it is not the first time this has happened,” said Tanak.
Source: Autosport