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The Estonian, winner of the 2019 drivers’ championship with Toyota, announced his departure from Hyundai Motorsport earlier this year after his three-season stint with the Korean manufacturer failed to produce any further titles. .
In the latest development in the 2023 driver market, M-Sport Ford – the team that gave Tänak his first shot at the highest level of rallying – has confirmed he will lead its charge in 2023.
In 2011, a young Tänak debuted in a WRC support category with M-Sport machinery, going on to claim his first WRC podium with the team just 12 months later. He built up in 2016, narrowly missing out on a maiden victory when a stunning display of speed was cut short by a puncture on the penultimate stage of Rally Poland.
Finally, the 2017 season saw the Estonian rise through the blue oval as he claimed his first WRC victory at the Rally Italia Sardegna followed by victory on the asphalt of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland before jumping ship to rivals that Toyota by the end of the year.
Tänak will drive all 13 rallies on the 2023 calendar and will be partnered, as usual, by co-driver Martin Järveoja. However, his teammates for the season are still not confirmed.
“M-Sport is the place that raised me as a driver and the place that taught me all the hard lessons and experiences to become a top level player in the World Rally Championship,” said Tänak. “Since becoming a world champion, I haven’t been able to defend the title, and I won’t be able to make peace with myself until I do!
“I have spoken to Malcolm a lot and we certainly have the same ambitions for the upcoming season. It will be a big challenge for us, but I know the people at Dovenby Hall, I know what they are capable of and their passion to give everything they have, we can challenge for the championship.”
M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson confirmed that Tänak had tried Puma. He said: “He came to Dovenby to look at our facilities and test the Puma at Greystoke Forest. It’s fair to say from Ott’s initial feedback that we are confident we can challenge for the world championship in 2023.
“It fills me with immense happiness and joy to see Ott back here with us at Dovenby Hall. I have followed his career closely since his junior days and am very proud to have been a part of his achievements over the last decade.”
Team principal Rich Millener echoed Wilson’s comments – adding that the target was to help Tänak secure his second world title.
“Seeing Ott in the M-Sport overalls again will be a significant moment for everyone at Dovenby Hall,” admitted Millener. “The goal for 2023 is clear for us and for Ott; to win the 2023 drivers’ championship.
“To achieve this goal together will require a lot of hard work and energy, but we are prepared and ready for this challenge. Having a driver like Ott on board is key to lifting spirits and the team’s desire to realize our full potential and push to 2023.”
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