Video: When a future WRC champ sank his car in a lake
Only in rallying would anyone think it possible to get a car going again after eight hours submerged in a lake. That’s what makes this one of the wildest moments in rallying history. Not the moment Ott Tänak and Raigo Molder plunged off the side into the water during Rally Mexico 2015. Rather, the moment M-Sport revived the recovered car ready for the next day’s competition, just 30 minutes before the allotted service time expired.
The rebuild involved draining and rebuilding everything from the differential and gearbox to the engine itself, and much more besides. But in just 150 minutes the car war running again, with the car able to complete the rally. It wasn’t plain sailing of course. The car had its fair share of electric issues during the remainder of the rally, while Tänak had picked up the hilarious but unfortunate nickname of Ott Ti-Tänak, but it’s proof that what seems impossible to you, I or other motorsport disciplines, is but a challenge for the mad men of rallying.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: This pure Porsche 911 RSR Le Mans onboard is heaven
Video
elevenses
WRC
M Sport
Ott Tänak
