President and team principal Cyril Abiteboul supports Ott Tänak's decision to step away from full-time rallying
Photography by Hyundai
Words by Luke Barry
Hyundai Motorsport president and team principal Cyril Abiteboul ‘understands’ Ott Tänak’s decision to step away from the World Rally Championship next season.
Just hours after finishing fourth overall at the penultimate round of 2025, Rally Japan, Tänak announced that he would be taking a break from full-time rallying to focus more on home and family life.
Abiteboul said Tänak is one of the finest rally drivers in the world and a true inspiration on and off the stages.
“While we were sad to learn of Ott’s decision, we naturally understand his motivation to step away from full-time rallying,” Abiteboul commented. “We have achieved a lot together across two very successful eras – from that first electrifying win in Estonia to the 2020 manufacturers’ title, as well as eight victories and many podiums.
“For all the highs we have celebrated together, there have also been some lows, yet Ott has always remained fully committed. He is one of the finest rally drivers in the world and remains a force to be reckoned with; when he has all the right ingredients, he is unstoppable.
“Ott has been a true inspiration on and off the stages, and we thank him for his contributions to the success of our team. It may be the second time we are parting ways, but Ott remains part of the Hyundai family. Thank you, Ott – we hope we meet again one day.”
Tänak’s final event for Hyundai will be Rally Saudi Arabia (November 26-29).
“I want to sincerely thank everyone at Hyundai Motorsport for the incredible years we have spent together, from the engineers and mechanics to the management and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes, and last but not least, all our amazing fans around the world,” Tänak said.
“We have shared victories, challenges and countless memories that I will always carry with me. I am proud of everything we achieved together and deeply grateful for the trust and support the team has shown me. I still love the sport deeply and I’m sure I’ll continue to be around in some way. Thank you once again and see you somewhere down the road!”
Speaking before Tänak’s announcement, DirtFish asked Hyundai WRC sporting director Andrew Wheatley what the team would do with its third car should Tänak leave.
“I think we’ve got two pathways: experience or youth. Or you mix,” Wheatley said.
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: Cyril Abiteboul, Hyundai, Ott Tanak, WRC, WRC 2025, WRC 2026
Publish Date November 9, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/11/FVB3vTYU-2025JAPAN_AUS_10170-780x520.jpg November 9, 2025
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