Behind the sensational story out front, a mega battle is brewing between three world champions who are split by just 3.5s in second, third and fourth.
Home hero Tänak leads that pack but is clearly struggling to find the right feeling aboard his Hyundai – commenting he is too “old style” to adapt to the way the car needs to be driven.
He added: “Things are happening so randomly. I’m trying to find my limits, but sometimes with the feedback it’s a bit tricky.”
Winner of Rally Estonia in 2021, 2022 and 2023, Kalle Rovanperä is currently third, 2.2s down on Tänak and facing his familiar struggle with Hankook’s rubber.
Rovanpera said: “I think now in service we try to find some traction, I think that’s an easy way to go faster.”
Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville is another to be “fighting” his car but is in a handsome position, just 1.3s adrift of Rovanperä.
“It seems like everybody is fighting with the conditions and the car – it’s the same for us,” Neuville said. “Rally is all about surprises, so it’s not a surprise that we’re struggling a bit.”
Takamoto Katsuta and Elfyn Evans are currently engaged in a private battle for fifth; Katsuta ahead of the championship leader by just 0.5s.
But the Japanese has cut a frustrated figure so far, complaining of understeer in his Toyota.