Team MRF Tyres has secured its second European Rally Championship (ERC) title with two rounds to spare. Last year, MRF became the first-ever Indian manufacturer to win a championship in top-level rallying, and the team has successfully defended that title in 2023.
- Martin Sesks only driver to win two rallies this season
- 54 points lead over BRC Racing Team
- Sister team (MRF Tyres Dealer) third in standings
It’s been a dominant season for the Indian squad, with Martins Sesks and co-driver Renars Francis scoring back-to-back wins at the gravel-based Rally Poland and Rally Liepaja. Sesks remains the only driver to win two rallies so far this season.
The team’s reigning drivers’ champion Efren Llarena and co-driver Sara Fernandez also finished on the podium at the asphalt Rally Islas Canarias, while Simone Campedelli and Tania Canton took a stage win on the all-tarmac Rally di Roma Capitale last month.
So with two wins and two podiums under their belt after six rounds, the team now holds an unassailable advantage heading into this week’s Czech Rally.
“We knew it would take dedication and determination to succeed and to do it once was a challenge, to back up that success in 2023 proves the talent and skill of the entire team at MRF Tyres. I would like to extend my congratulations to the team and I look forward to our future challenges,” said Arun Mammen, vice-chairman and managing director, MRF Ltd.
While the teams’ championship has been wrapped up, the drivers’ championship is still up for grabs. MRF driver Sesks currently stands second overall, 55 points behind leader Hayden Paddon. “We came into this year knowing that it would be a challenge. In the FIA European Rally Championship, you have to earn every result, as the quality of the teams and the drivers is very high. I have been proud to represent MRF Tyres in the Championship and being able to stand on the top step of the podium after winning at home in Latvia and in Poland, has made me extremely proud,” Sesks said.
MRF’s second squad, the MRF Tyres Dealer Team, also sits third in the standings, having taken podiums with Mads Ostberg and Patrik Barth, along with stage wins for Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi.
Dipan Sur
