The 36-year-old factory Hyundai driver’s participation was confirmed during a press conference in Tallinn earlier today when Delfi Rally Estonia organisers revealed more details about the event, including a stellar line-up of young talents from the Baltic nation.
As well as Rally2 regulars Georg Linnamäe and Robert Virves, FIA Junior WRC Championship leader Romet Jürgenson is set to take part along with Junior ERC contenders Karl-Markus Sei and Jaspar Vaher. Patrick Enok and Joosep Ralf Nõgene are also hoping to fly the Estonian flag on the high-speed gravel event, which is scheduled to take place from 5 - 7 July.
Delfi Rally Estonia director Urmo Aava (above), who used the press conference to formally sign agreements with several event partners, said: “Why we like ERC as an organiser is that in this series it is possible to win with a Rally2 car. If we look at how many Estonians have the opportunity to compete either with their own or a rented Rally2 car, I would dare to say that there are more than three drivers.
“Estonians also have very good chances of winning in the Rally3 and Rally4 classes, where several talented young Estonians are coming to the start. In other words, the Estonians have a much better chance of winning the rally in the ERC series and the fans have a chance to cheer even more for our own local heroes.
“We expect approximately 60 crews to start in the ERC and the same number in the Estonian championship and in the Delfi Rally Estonia Trophy. By its very nature, rallying is an active sport that offers adrenaline and emotion over several days. It's the best time to plan your vacation and come to Tartu and Southern Estonia together with your family and cheer on to the top drivers of the rally world.”
Delfi Rally Estonia, which returns to the ERC after seven years, will be run out of the Tehvandi Sports Center in Otepää with the opening and closing ceremonies held in Tartu’s famous Town Hall Square.
Fourteen stages are planned, including the return of the city stage in Elva, the hometown of Tänak’s co-driver Martin Järveoja.
Having won the first Rally Estonia to count for the ERC in 2014, Tänak (above) will be one to watch during the national section of the event.
He said: “Our sport at its core is full of adrenaline and a lot of action. That's what the fans actually like. Rally Estonia has been the innovator for many years and Rally Estonia has always been an example for everyone in the entire series.”
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