Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja form one of the most successful and dynamic partnerships in modern World Rally Championship (WRC) history.
Ott Tänak, born in 1987, made his WRC debut in 2009 and steadily built a reputation for raw pace and determination. Martin Järveoja, also born in 1987, joined Tänak as his co-driver in 2017, and together they quickly established themselves as a formidable duo. Their partnership began with the M-Sport Ford team, where they claimed their first WRC victory at the 2017 Rally Italia Sardegna.
The real breakthrough came when Tänak and Järveoja moved to Toyota Gazoo Racing in 2018. Their time with Toyota was marked by a series of impressive performances, culminating in a historic 2019 season. That year, they won six rallies—including Sweden, Chile, Portugal, Finland, Germany, and Wales—and secured the WRC drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles with a round to spare. This achievement made them the first Estonians to win the World Rally Championship and the first non-French crew to do so since 2003. Their triumph also delivered Toyota its first drivers’ title since 1994.
Known for their relentless pace and ability to handle pressure, Tänak and Järveoja have continued to compete at the highest level with Hyundai Motorsport, delivering wins and podiums across a variety of challenging events. Their adaptability is evident in their victories with different manufacturers: Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai. As of 2024, they have amassed over 20 WRC rally wins together, including memorable victories in events like Rally Estonia, Arctic Rally, and the Central European Rally.
Järveoja’s calm and precise navigation complements Tänak’s aggressive driving style, making them one of the most balanced and effective teams in rallying. Their synergy in the car has been key to overcoming the unpredictable and demanding nature of rally stages worldwide.
Beyond their on-stage success, Tänak and Järveoja are celebrated in Estonia as national heroes, inspiring a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts. Their journey from national rallies to the pinnacle of the WRC is a testament to hard work, mutual trust, and a shared passion for competition.
As they continue to chase more victories and championship glory, the Tänak/Järveoja partnership remains one of rallying’s most compelling stories, defined by resilience, innovation, and a relentless drive for success.
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