After the slightly surprising revelation that he’d come close to missing last month’s Rally Sweden, defending World Rally Champion Ott Tänak has told DirtFish he’s completely fit for this week’s Rally México.
The Estonian crashed heavily on the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally and then admitted he’d struggled to get comfortable in a rally car in the days leading up to round two in Torsby.
After celebrating his maiden podium with Hyundai in Sweden, Tänak talked of working with a physio throughout the shortened event.
But now, he’s fighting fit and ready to chase a maiden Méxican win.
Asked about his preparations for this week’s León-based event, Tänak said: “I didn’t have any extra sessions [with the physio], nothing like that. Everything is fine, everything is normal. I got some extra treatments after the crash, but now I’m just looking forward to being back in the action.”
This week will be Tänak’s first time competing in the i20 Coupe WRC in gravel trim in the WRC. Despite never having won in Guanajuato – he came close with second place last season – Rally México is an event he looks forward to.
“On the fan side,” he said, ”México is amazing. We have a lot of people spectating and going crazy which makes it very special and emotional for us as drivers. There’s nowhere better than Mexico to come and get some sunny weather after the winter.”
Temperatures into the 80s allied to high-altitude stages make this week’s round one of the season’s more challenging.
“Physically,” said Tänak, “it can be tough. At altitude we don’t have as much oxygen, so our driving style needs to be smooth and flowing, while the engine power is reduced, so we have to be efficient.
“I was pleased to get my first podium with Hyundai Motorsport in Sweden, but Mexico will be very different – it’s a unique challenge. The heat and altitude make it a very specific event on the calendar.”
