Ott Tänak, who claimed the World Rally Championship title in 2019, has publicly confirmed his ongoing connection to the motorsport community despite announcing a career break at the end of last year. This year, he will lend his experience and support to Takamoto Katsuta, a Japanese driver racing for Toyota in the World Rally Championship. Their friendship predates this collaboration, as they have previously expressed mutual admiration for each other’s racing capabilities.

The partnership between Tänak and Katsuta reflects a broader trend in motorsports where experienced drivers assist and mentor younger talents. Tänak's decision to help Katsuta not only showcases his commitment to the sport but also reinforces Toyota's support for its drivers, ensuring they have the necessary guidance to succeed. This move could enhance Katsuta's performance on the WRC circuit, where experience and mentorship are invaluable.

As Tänak steps back from competing, his involvement in supporting another driver demonstrates a new phase in his career, likely positioning him as a mentor within the community. This could signal an important shift for Tänak, potentially leading to future roles in coaching or managing teams as he continues to influence the sport from a different vantage point, while remaining a significant figure in rally racing.