Ott Tanak has his short-term future in the World Rally Championship secured until at least 2025.
The Estonian confirmed that he will remain with Hyundai for next season. It comes after his teammate Thierry Neuville also extended his contract with Hyundai for the 2025 campaign.
Tanak first competed in the WRC as a private entry in 2009 before landing a full-time seat in 2012 with M-Sport Ford. The 36-year-old won the 2019 championship with Toyota before moving to Hyundai the following year.
Tanak stayed with the Korean manufacturer until he made his return to M-Sport in 2023, before returning to Hyundai for 2024. As of the end of Rally Finland, the Estonian has racked up 20 rally wins.
Hyundai’s future in the WRC has been shrouded in uncertainty in recent weeks, but speaking with DirtFish, Tanak has his attention on the new regulations coming in 2027.
Ott Tanak has sights set on 2027 regulations despite Hyundai’s uncertain future
The new WRC rules will see the championship likely move towards hybrid power. The current regulations will remain in place until the end of the 2026 season, with some saying the 2027 adjustments could be the most important the governing body have ever written.
READ MORE: Thierry Neuville shares the ‘excuse’ Sebastien Ogier will use if he doesn’t win the WRC championship
In the midst of the changes coming to the WRC, the future of Hyundai looks to be uncertain. Rumours have speculated that the manufacturer could shut down their operation and walk away from the sport entirely by the end of next season.
This is further heightened by the fact that Tanak and Neuville have only been given one-year extensions. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul has not ruled out the prospect of a private team running Hyundai come 2026.
While Tanak is concerned by the speculation around the team, he has his mind on 2027 and if the regulations will be right for the sport.
“For all of us, it’s extremely important now to do right decisions and put everything on track,” he said.
“I mean, yeah, it’s nothing bad to say. At the moment, already with the promotion side, things are improving step by step. So, definitely we need quite many more steps.
“But still, all together, you know, sometimes putting some people on the back foot, you know, it can help everything all together.”
READ MORE: Sebastien Ogier hints at future plans away from WRC ahead of Acropolis Rally Greece
Ott Tanak is third in the 2024 WRC standings
The WRC returns to action with the Acropolis Rally Greece as Hyundai’s drivers look to challenge for the title.
Heading into the event, Neuville leads the standings by 27 points over Sebastien Ogier, with Tanak four points behind the Toyota driver in third.
Neuville has never won a WRC title and will be desperate to break his losing streak, having been beaten to the title by Ogier on four occasions.
Ogier is set to compete in Greece, as well as the final three rounds of the season that follow as he sets his sights on a record-equalling ninth title.