The 2019 world champion has emerged as the key figure in the 2023 WRC driver market following his shock announcement to part ways with Hyundai last month.
Speculation regarding the Estonian’s future in the championship has been building steadily across the season, with rumours hinting that he would leave the team emerging during the summer.
The 35-year-old’s early exit from Hyundai has kicked the silly season into overdrive with Toyota’s Esapekka Lappi now expected to replace Tanak at the South Korean marque next year.
Tanak’s future remains unclear amid suggestions he could return to Toyota, where he won the world title in 2019, and M-Sport Ford, where he began his WRC career in 2011. A sabbatical has also emerged as an option.
Speaking to media ahead of his final outing for Hyundai at this weekend’s Rally Japan WRC season finale, Tanak admitted that his future is yet to be resolved.
“Altogether, the reasons behind [leaving Hyundai] were many,” said Tanak.
“Anyway it has been a long year and that was the call in the end. And about next year I can honestly say I have nothing at the moment, we just have to see what time will bring.
“I will check to see what is available after I fly back from here.”
Tanak currently has nothing signed for next year
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Tanak did reveal that he still has an interest in contesting a full season next year if he can secure a package that has the potential to fight for the world championship.
“It depends on many things,” said Tanak, when asked if he would like to do a full season next year.
“It depends how I feel. If I feel that whatever I do next year gives me a chance to fight for the championship. This is something I have been missing, being able to fight for the championship. I will find out if this opportunity will come.”
When pressed on the chances of rejoining M-Sport, he added: “We have been in rallying for a long, long time. It doesn’t really matter which team you are in. Winning the world championship is always a challenge it is never easy.”
It appears Tanak’s best option is with M-Sport after Toyota WRC boss Jari-Matti Latvala admitted that his team running three world champions in Kalle Rovanpera, Sebastien Ogier and Tanak next year could potentially “kill” the championship.
M-Sport is interested in signing Tanak but has remained realistic throughout the silly season, admitting that it would be “tricky” for the team from a financial aspect, but will…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motorsport.com – RALLY – Stories…