The pair elected to participate in last Saturday’s one-day gravel rally to aid their preparation for Rally Estonia’s high-speed stages.
Tanak was eager to unlock speed from his M-Sport Ford Puma with the event following a pre-event test where a modified rear wing was tested.
The 2019 world champion won all nine stages to win the rally by 38s from Suninen, who was making his first competitive outing in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1, ahead of his return to WRC’s top flight.
“I believe that we have taken a step forward,” said Tanak in an interview with Estonian public radio company ERR.
“It will be very difficult for us, especially against Toyota, as they will probably dominate the World Rally Championship in Estonia. But I still want to try to join some kind of fight and get something done.”
Suninen has previously tested the i20 N Rally1 on two occasions but last weekend offered valuable mileage to allow the Finn to hit the ground running when he pilots Hyundai’s third car for the first time next week.
“The day was very good for me, because I was able to drive in special tests for the first time. I got much more here than just from the test in Finland,” Suninen told Estonian magazine Postimees.
“In the beginning, the pace was at a normal level, but we were a few seconds behind Ott. We had a good feeling in the car, and finally the pace started to be at a good level.”
Source: Autosport