The Hyundai driver heads to Portugal this week – which marks the beginning of the WRC’s conventional gravel season – sitting fourth within the championship and 33 factors adrift of championship chief and team-mate Thierry Neuville.
After uncharacteristic errors in Monte Carlo and Sweden, Tanak confirmed indicators of his tempo in Kenya earlier than an unlucky crash from second place. Regardless of combating the steadiness of his i20 N in Croatia final month, Tanak picked up his largest factors haul of the season, claiming 20 factors from the brand new scoring system after ending fourth general.
However a transfer to gravel is seen as an opportunity for Tanak to point out his potential having scored 12 of his 19 WRC wins on the floor, starring behind the wheel of the I20 N again in 2022.
“It’s positively the chance now [to score points] and I actually hope that we discover a good feeling within the automobile, and clearly we haven’t been driving on gravel for a very long time,” Tanak instructed Autosport.
“Safari was very particular however principally the take a look at might be our first feeling on gravel and hopefully we are able to make it work and be aggressive in Portugal.
“Like I stated Safari could be very distinctive and really tough, so the vehicles are fairly totally different once we go to Portugal, so let’s see how we evaluate.”
Tanak must also profit from the street order, beginning fourth whereas Neuville will possible face the worst of the circumstances performing as street sweeper. The Belgian is hoping for rain to ease the ache of street cleansing however is anticipating a troublesome weekend.
Photograph by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“I’m comfortable to nonetheless be within the lead not less than maintain our benefit as a result of there isn’t any secret that from Portugal on it’s going to be powerful for us with a number of gravel rallies in a row,” Neuville instructed Autosport.
“Apart from actually heavy rain and plenty of tough circumstances, will probably be powerful for us to attain many factors not less than on Friday and Saturday, perhaps on Sunday we might be a bit higher if we have now a greater street place.
“In Portugal we’re main the championship and opening the street. We’ve got Kalle [Rovanpera] in seventh on the street [Sebastien] Ogier in fifth and Tanak fourth, so what are you able to do.
“The automobile has improved so much, however I believe we nonetheless have some work left. The Toyotas are very fast at such occasions, however like at all times we maintain attempting.”