Ott Tänak Joins Toyota Gazoo Racing as Driver for the 2018 World Rally Championship
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team have confirmed that Ott Tänak will drive a Yaris WRC in the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship, starting from the Rallye Monte-Carlo. The 30-year-old Estonian has been one of the outstanding performers in this year’s championship, winning two events so far. He will be joined by his co-driver, Martin Jarveoja.
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT will contest their second championship season with three Yaris WRCs at each event. Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miika Anttilla and the pairing of Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm will complete the line-up.
Kaj Lindström, currently co-driver for Juho Hanninen, is taking on a new role as the team’s sporting director, as from this year’s Rally Australia.
Tommi Makinen, team principal, said: “We’re delighted to have secured Ott’s services, having had our eyes on him for a while. He represents a perfect blend of youth and experience, together with the right sort of mental attitude, which means he will ti into our team very well.
“I’d also like to congratulate Kaj on his new role. I know that he is the ultimate professional is sure to be a strong asset as we continue our team’s development.
“Finally, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for everything that Juho has done for is. He will always be a member of our family and has played an important part in taking us to where we are today.”
Profile: Ott Tänak
Date of birth/age: 15 October 1987/30
Nationality: Estonian
Career Highlights:
2008 Estonian Rally Champion
2009 Estonian Rally Champion
2009 First WRC rally
2010 European Pirelli Star Driver
2011 2nd overall FIA SWRC Championship (3 wins)
2017 First WRC win, Rally Sardinia, second win in Rally Germany
WRC Statistics:
Starts 77
Victories 2
Podiums 10
Points scored 379
Stage Wins 73
