The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team has announced driver Ott Tänak will part ways with the team at the end of the season.
What Happened?
Ott Tänak has had a less-than-desirable 2022 WRC season with Hyundai. With Tänak fighting off issues with the Hyundai i20 WRC most of the year. Despite this Tänak was still able to win three rallies, as well as contest Kalle Rovanperä for the drivers’ championship. Tänak’s relationship with Hyundai seemed to start boiling over at Ypres Rally Belgium. As Tänak and fellow Hyundai driver, Thierry Neuville would both exchange verbal shots at one another via the media. This seemingly continued into EKO Acropolis Rally Greece when Hyundai would make a decision that lessened Tänak’s chances at winning the drivers’ championship. As Hyundai would make the decision for all three drivers to hold positions, as the trio held the top three spots during the rally. This decision would allow Thierry Neuville to take his first win of the season. It would also cost Tänak a critical seven championship points. Tänak would seemingly take another shot at Thierry Neuville via the media when asked about Hyundai’s split with Oliver Solberg. Stating “I’m not like my team-mate, he’s organizing the drivers in the team”.
How Is It Possible?
Ott Tänak had a year left on his drivers’ contract with Hyundai, so how can it be terminated? The simple answer is the contract had a break clause in it. Allowing Tänak to terminate his contract.
The Second Hyundai Driver Gone
Ott Tänak will be the second driver to leave Hyundai at the end of the season. As earlier this month Hyundai would also part ways with Oliver Solberg. The split between Solberg and Hyundai would come after Repco Rally New Zealand. A rally where Oliver Solberg would finish in the top five for the second consecutive time.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
