MRF will celebrate its 50th European Rally Championship event with a three-car entry into this week’s Barum Rally Zlín.
MRF has enjoyed plenty of ERC success over the years, winning the teams’ title three times this decade (2022, 2023 and 2025) as well as the 2022 drivers’ title with Efrén Llarena.
Barum is a fitting event for MRF to commemorate its half century of European championship events, as it’s recognized as one of the trickiest and most daunting Tarmac rallies anywhere in the world.
The Indian firm’s secret weapon could well be Erik Cais; a Barum local who’s come close to winning his home event in the past.
Cais will drive a Hyundai i20 N while Simone Tempestini and Andrei Gîtrofan are Škoda Fabia RS mounted.
“This is my home rally, so naturally it is an event I care a lot about,” said Cais.
“I know these roads, but every edition of Barum is different and we will need to remain fully focused and push hard. It is a rally that does not forgive mistakes.
“Having the support of the Czech fans is always special and I am very happy to represent Team MRF Tyres here on such an important weekend for the team.”
Teemu Suninen (Škoda) tops a 23-strong entry of Rally2 cars courtesy of his (ironically) 23-point lead in the championship over Lancia’s Andrea Mabellini. Reigning champion Miko Marczyk (Škoda) is third.
Plenty of local talent will compete including Filip Mareš (Toyota) and Adam Březík (Škoda), but the man they all need to beat is Jan Kopecký (Škoda) who defeated now-Rally1 driver Jon Armstrong to victory in 2025.
The Czech legend is chasing a record-extending 13th Barum Rally victory this year, although is only third in the national championship so far.
Dominik Střiteský – Barum winner in 2024 – currently leads the Czech championship but is unable to compete for the foreseeable future following a big crash on the previous ERC round in Poland.
