The M-Sport-Ford driver produced a committed run through the 3.48km mixed surface Harju test, held on streets and parkland roads within the host city of Jyvaskyla.
Tanak clocked a time 0.6s faster than Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, while championship leader Kalle Rovanpera was a tenth further back to clock the third fastest time.
"The ones we are fighting are very strong obviously – we need to put everything on the line,” said three-time Finland winner Tanak at the stage end, when asked if he had the package to win this weekend.
Thousands of fans flocked to the Super Special stage mainly to witness the homecoming of world champion and Jyvaskyla local Rovanpera.
The Finn was however fortunate not to lose more than 0.7s after sliding wide navigating an asphalt left-hander that resulted in his Toyota GR Yaris grazing a kerb. The championship leader was fastest on the day’s shakedown stage earlier this morning.
Source: Autosport