The Estonian dominated the Concepción-based event, winning seven from 16 stages, to control what was at times as strategic and complicated round 11 of the FIA World Rally Championship. Tänak’s win was crafted from an inspired tyre choice on Saturday morning and exceptional pace across the second run down those same Chilean roads.
Tänak said: “This rally was a different kind of challenge. It felt different to what we normally do - it was a lot about the management [of tyres] and how to get through the loop [of stages]. It wasn’t too much about pure performance.
“It definitely feels nice to have a positive outcome from the rally after what feels like a long time. These positive vibes are always helping, so I’m sure it’s been a great week for the team.”
Tänak was also complimentary about the
rally itself. Having won the original event in 2019, Tänak maintains his 100%
winning record on the South American event.
“The roads here are great,” said Tänak,
“and this is definitely a really nice event.”
Team principal Richard Millener said Tänak's dominant display was the perfect example of why M-Sport Ford were so eager to sign the 2019 WRC champion at the beginning of the season. Before Sunday, the British team had not won a rally since Sweden in February.
"This goes to show why we were so desperate to have Ott in the team at the start of the year," Millener explained. "We can all go away very happy. It's such a long way to get here, and to go away with the victory is really special.
"The team did the best they could to help Ott and Martin [Järveoja, co-driver] along this weekend but, ultimately, Ott showed again his ability and his class. He managed to control the lead from pretty much Saturday lunchtime and, after a great push on Friday and Saturday morning, he basically gave himself the best opportunity from the word go."
Finland
Italy
Hungary