Monte “wouldn’t seem fair” if one team can’t travel – Tänak

2019 WRC champion's former squad M-Sport is still waiting to hear if team members will be given waiver to enter France

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Ott Tänak has questioned the fairness of running the Monte Carlo Rally if the British contingent aren’t allowed into France to contest the World Rally Championship season opener next week.

The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, along with other British competitors, are waiting on a decision from the French government regarding their entry to the country due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Asked for his thoughts on the potential ramifications of the government declining entry, Tänak told DirtFish: “With a problem like this, it wouldn’t seem fair.

“We need to have all the teams in the championship and if one can’t make it because of political regulations… it’s not so straightforward.

“I know there are a lot of people working on this, hopefully it can get sorted out.”

Takamoto Katsuta

Photo: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool

Toyota co-driver Dan Barritt is waiting on news of whether he will compete alongside Takamoto Katsuta next week.

“I’m ready to go,” said Barritt. “We’ve everything ready, flights booked and now we’re just waiting for somebody to decide – if the authorities say it’s safe for us to go then we go.

“I have to say a big thank you to all the people working on this for us. The WRC Promoter, the FIA, the event organizers, they’re all doing everything they can to get us there and, of course, nobody wants to miss the Monte Carlo Rally.”

Should the British crews not be allowed into France, the decision of whether to cancel the event would be left with the Automobile Club de Monaco.

DirtFish has been told to expect further news through Wednesday.

Words:David Evans

Photography:Hyundai Motorsport

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