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OTT TANAK TO JOIN TOYOTA IN 2018

Toyota sign Ott Tanak for 2018 WRC - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Toyota sign Ott Tanak for 2018 WRC - Photo: LAT

Toyota sign Ott Tanak for 2018 WRC – Photo: LAT

Toyota Gazoo Racing have announced that is has signed Ott Tanak to drive one of the teams Yaris’s in the 2018 WRC season.

Tanak, who currently competes for M-Sport, will join Jari-Matti Latvala and Esapekka Lappi at Toyota in 2018, along with his co-driver Martin Jarveoja. Leaving Juho Hanninen without a drive at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old Estonian has won two rallies so far this year and currently sits second in the World Rally Championship standings heading into the penultimate round in Wales.

Toyota’s Tommi Makinen had been pushing hard for Tanak’s signature since early in the season, having identified the two-time world rally winner as the driver he wanted for the future.

“We’re delighted to have secured the services of Ott, having had our eyes on him for a while. He represents the perfect blend of youth and experience, together with the right sort of mental attitude that means he will fit into our team very well.” said Makinen.

“Like the Yaris WRC, Ott has exceeded all expectations this year, so I’m sure it will be a strong partnership with both speed and consistency on all surfaces. I’d also like to congratulate Kaj on his new role.”

“One of my favourite memories of my own driving career is our win in Monte-Carlo together; from this, and the experience of working with him since, I know that Kaj is the ultimate professional and he is sure to be a strong asset as we continue our team’s development.”

Toyota's WRC Yaris - Photo: LAT

Toyota’s WRC Yaris – Photo: LAT

M-Sport’s team principle Malcolm Wilson was sad to lose Tanak, having seen him developed since 2009.

“It is with a heavy heart that the team say goodbye to Ott and Martin who have been such an important part of our success this year. There’s arguably been no other driver who I have put as much faith in – or given as many chances – but I recognised his potential straight away.” said Wilson

“He has always been quick. From the moment he first came to my attention there was no doubting his speed, and in recent years he has developed into the full package – a rally winner and a potential championship contender.”

We will have more of the latest international motorsport news in the next issue of Auto Action Magazine, on sale Thursday. In the meantime follow us on social media FacebookTwitter, Instagram or sign up for our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates.