What Tänak's return means for Hyundai

Seeing the Estonian back in the Korean company’s colours for a second time around is a big statement by Hyundai. And when it comes to big statements, Tänak himself couldn’t have been clearer on his own intentions.

“Our goal in this new chapter,” said the 2019 world champion, “will be nothing less than to win all the three titles, and with the new structure of the team, we have all the tools needed to achieve it. Game on!”

Those words gave fans around the world goosebumps. Question is, did it strike fear into the heart of Toyota? Will Tänak’s return be enough to halt an impressive run of three straight makes’ titles for the GR Yaris and four (soon to be five…) championships for its drivers?

It’s certainly going to complicate matters for the Finnish-based Japanese squad.

Talking of complications, another question for 2024 is how will Tänak and long-time Hyundai star Thierry Neuville work together for the second time around?

Both drivers have deferred to Abiteboul and his abilities as a team principal to bring one of the sport’s most competitive partnerships together as a single force with one aim.

Hyundai Motorsport stands as a potential winner after an audacious driver market move, but the undoubted winners will be you, me and the millions of other rally fans around the world.