Former Rally Finland winner, Markko Martin, has commented on the supposed rift between new World Rally Champion, Ott Tanak, and Toyota boss Tommi Makinen.
Martin, the proprietor of the Estonian based MM Motorsport team, and in former years WRC team driver with Subaru, Ford and Peugeot and a five times WRC rally winner, spoke openly on an Estonian website about the turmoil which led to his friend Tanak moving from Toyota to Hyundai.
“I do not agree with (reports that I have manager status with Ott). We have been doing things for 10 years. My role has been different and changing. We discuss things together, but he decides,” Martin said.
The breakdown between Ott and Toyota Gazoo chief Tommi Makinen has been confusing, with Martin believing the confusion was fuelled by the fiercely Toyota supportive Finnish media.
They tried to show that everyone else was at fault but not themselves.
“The situation was that Ott was out of contract and could decide what he wants. Our first thought was (to stay on with) Toyota. Ott was clearly their first choice man, but we also looked around. Makinen could have done a deal with Ott in August and September.
"It looked like Makinen did not really want this agreement.
Markko Martin and Ott Tanak have a strong relationship.
"The (final) decision was not financially motivated. All the teams understand Ott needs to get his maximum income right now. The financial number was not a problem from one side or the other.”
It was more whether the Makinen really wanted to keep Tanak in the team.
“I cannot say there was only one specific issue, but you can tell if a team are really behind you and do the maximum for you. You can sense this as to how the rallies are planned, whether their vision is the same as yours.
"The Finnish media suggested that Ott was demanding number one status in the team, but there was no such demand. Ott was able to win his title and his wins (in 2019) without the support of the team. “Unfortunately Ott only had to rely on himself, but he did it!”
For Martin, the most interesting moment in the negotiations was when Hyundai sent out a signal that negotiations between them and Ott had ended. That was wrong, but they played their game very well!
Ott Tanak won the world title with Toyota, and now heads to rival Hyundai.
People say that relations between Tanak and Makinen were deteriorating as the year progressed.
“All things affected the situation,” Martin says.
What is the feeling now it is all settled?
“It was a decision that required ‘balls’ to go to the team where his main rival (Neuville) had been for a long time. I believe (Hyundai) is the right place for him and he can do all his own things there.
"Time will tell how he is doing there: how he gets used to the car and whether the team can adjust it to his comfort!”
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