Why Ott Tanak feared final stage drama could cost his…

Ott Tanak admitted he was “very worried” he’d lose a drought-ending World Rally Championship win in Greece after a gearbox issue struck in the final stage.

Tanak had dominated a demanding Acropolis Rally having driven his Hyundai to nine stage wins to open up a 48.8s margin over Toyota's Sebastien Ogier ahead of the 17th and final stage.

However, having avoided punctures and mechanical issues leading up to that point, Tanak’s i20 N developed a gearbox issue during the final stage.

The 2019 world champion still reached the stage end though, only dropping 16s to take the win - but to muted celebrations at the finish line.

This was because he was concerned the car wouldn’t complete the 50km road section to the final time control to secure his and Hyundai’s first win of 2025.

"I was very worried, it didn’t look so good,” Tanak told Motorsport.com. “First I lost third gear and then I started to get some bad noises on the other gears as well.

Podium: Winners Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1, second place Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, third place Adrien Fourmaux, Alexandre Coria, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1 (Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool)

“Even when we crossed the finish line we still had 50 kilometres to go. This was a bit too stressful for a victory, but in the end it is a big relief and also for the team this win was so much needed for the team. Clearly the pressure was there to win the rally and I’m happy to achieve it.

“It was not easy but we got here [to the finish].”

Reflecting on the win, Tanak admitted he was “very proud” of his 22nd WRC win, given the challenges he had to overcome in what was one of the toughest rallies in recent memory.

Crews had to cope with intense heat as cockpit temperatures reached 70C, while rougher stages severely increased the risk of punctures and damage to the cars.

“It’s been a mega event to be honest, there were so many challenges to keep in mind and at the same time Ogier was pushing from behind so you can never have an easy life and back off," Tanak added.

“Obviously I always wanted to keep some margin in case we had something and it was needed in the end.

“I would say it is quite well played, it is a super tough rally and I’m very proud to win this one.”

Tanak's victory has boosted his title hopes with the Hyundai driver now 12 points behind championship leader and Toyota driver Elfyn Evans.