Hyundai boss will let Tanak push for third Finland victory

Going into the third and final leg of the Scandinavian event, 2019 World Rally champion Tanak sits 9.1 seconds behind the Toyota Yaris of leader Elfyn Evans.

The pair – along with Craig Breen, who is provisionally third – were embroiled in an enthralling scrap for top spot during the course of Saturday’s morning stages.

Evans eventually came out on top to become the fourth different person to head the timesheets on this, the 70th anniversary year of Rally Finland.

“With Ott, the battle is still there and we are absolutely in a position to fight for the win tomorrow,” said Adamo.

“I am sure the plan is to still go ahead [and fight with Elfyn] because there is nothing to lose [in terms of championship titles]. The plan is just to go and fight for it.

“Honestly, I think this afternoon we have seen two drivers who were really doing something different. Today has been a nice advertisement for rally, if I can say that,” he added.

Tanak reckons if Evans can soak up the inevitable pressure that is coming his way and maintain first position until Sunday afternoon that he will have rightfully earned what would only be his second win of the current campaign.

“The pace has been quite good today; I was trying hard on every stage. In the afternoon, the grip was higher so it was easier to manage the car and I could push a bit more,” said Tanak.

“I tried to put as much pressure as possible on Elfyn and push him hard, so that if he is able to win then it will be because he deserves it.

“For sure, he is doing a good job but from first thing tomorrow morning we will try our best to battle for the victory.”

Victory would have added value for Evans because, if the positions should remain unchanged until the end of the rally, he will have narrowed the gap to current series leader and defending champion Sebastien Ogier to 29 points.