Tanak turns TV addict for NZ debut

Ott Tanak will be hoping time spent watching footage of previous editions of Brother Rally New Zealand will aid his preparations for round seven of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Tanak, from Estonia, has never competed on the spectacular gravel event before and arrives in Auckland this week under pressure to perform following a troubled run in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

“Not only will this be my first visit to Brother Rally New Zealand with Ford, but this will be my first visit to New Zealand,” said the 24-year-old. “I have heard that the roads are really quick and I can’t wait to test them out for myself.”

He continued: “The New Zealand conditions seem to have always provided an amazing backdrop to the rally, and I’m sure this year will be no different whatever the weather. As for New Zealand itself, the landscapes and countryside around the stages looks breath-taking.”

After six rounds of this year’s WRC, Tanak, who is co-driven by countryman Kuldar Sikk, is 12th in the drivers’ standings having scored points on all but one round.

Brother Rally New Zealand takes place from 21-24 June.