But the Estonian is confident Hyundai, which took the manufacturers’ title, is the place to be to ensure continued success.
“It’s never easy to leave a team, especially a car like this, so it’s been a great two years,” said Tanak.
Tanak insists there are no hard feelings with Toyota team boss Tommi Makinen, adding: “Through the year I’ve been in touch with [Hyundai boss] Andrea Adamo and he seems the type of guy that likes to push as I do. I really hope we are a good match and I can see the team is full of motivation to do everything in their power to fight for the championship.
“It was a long negotiation, for a long time, and in the end that was the direction it went. I believe there were no hard feelings [with Makinen] in the end and we continue competing, but next year against each other.”
On his first impressions of Hyundai, Tanak added: “As I mentioned before the motivation in the team is there, the people are full of will to do their best next year. Hyundai won many events this year, I have no doubt that I’m in a good place next year.