I’m sure there would have been an unstoppable wave of optimism before 2023, but Tänak was absolutely thorough. The due diligence and legal formalities took pages, weeks and months.
Admittedly, development of the car hasn’t progressed quite as quickly as he would have liked, but when does that happen for a driver?
I’m writing this because I’m not sure the credit has really gone where it’s due.
Tänak had several opportunities to achieve this honor throughout the season and by and large he failed to take advantage of such a chance. I think he’s wrong.
True, I cannot understand the frustration he feels when he has an engine problem on the eve of his home World Cup game or the water pump breaks down on the first morning in Greece.
The disappointment must be huge. But he wasn’t the only one who suffered this disappointment. It’s the whole team. And rule number one of any team must be the ability to win – and lose – together.
Tänak’s time in the WRC
| Years | team |
|---|---|
| 2011-’12 | M Sport |
| 2014 | M Sport |
| 2014 | DMACK |
| 2015-’17 | M Sport |
| 2018-’19 | Toyota |
| 2020-22 | Hyundai |
| 2023 | M Sport |
Ott knows that. Like he knows so many people at Dovenby Hall.
They were the same people who cried tears of joy when he scored his first WRC point, won his first stage and finally his first rally. Hell, they were the same people who formed a guard of honor he had to drive through when he won his first world championship in 2019… in a Toyota.
Tänak speaks of Wilson as a father figure and of M-Sport as an extended family. It’s time to show family some appreciation, and – hopefully – tomorrow will provide that opportunity.
A Tänak victory is always something that is celebrated in my house. He is my family’s favorite – and mine. I was drawn to his fighting spirit when I first met him 15 years ago, and my appreciation for his single-minded determination will never diminish.
But sometimes it’s just nice to be nice.
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