WRC tyre supplier DMACK has signed Ott Tanak and Jari Ketomaa to drive for a new WRC 2 team in 2014.
Tanak, from Estonia, will join Finn Ketomaa in a pair of Ford Fiesta R5 rally cars at the newly-formed Drive DMACK world rally team.
Ketomaa, 34, won the WRC 2 category of this year’s Rally Finland on DMACK’s S6 gravel tyre [pictured] and will again drive an Autotek-run Fiesta with his programme commencing on February’s Rally Sweden.
“I’ve seen how much effort DMACK has put into developing and improving its tyres over the last few years and the results I have achieved this season have been very strong,” said Ketomaa.
“This is a great opportunity for 2014 and it will be enjoyable for me to partner with Ott – I think this will be a strong team for WRC 2 next year.”
Tänak rejoins the DMACK team after making his world rally car debut with the squad at Wales Rally GB in 2011. The 26-year-old will dovetail nine events in a Fiesta R5 with three in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC as part of a separate programme. His WRC 2 challenge for DMACK will kick off with Rally Mexico.
Tanak said: “After a year away from the world rally championship, I’m very happy to be back with a strong programme – thanks to DMACK and M-Sport we can do pretty much the full season.”
DMACK joined the WRC in 2011 and produces a range or tyres aimed at private drivers and teams in WRC 2.
“With the new Drive DMACK team I believe we have a seriously strong platform to demonstrate the true performance of our motorsport tyres,” said Dick Cormack, DMACK motorsport director.
“We have the opportunity to build on some great performances from 2013 and, with Ott and Jari, a very strong driver line-up to target WRC 2 victory next year.”