Wed 03 Apr 2024

Mareš lands big ERC chance with Dolák-run Toyota

Filip Mareš has landed a dream opportunity to showcase his talent in the FIA European Rally Championship, embarking on a full eight-event schedule in an ACCR Toyota Dolák-entered GR Yaris Rally2.

The 32-year-old former Junior ERC champion at Rally2 level will also contest his national championship in Czech Republic. Radovan Bucha will co-drive their Hankook-equipped Yaris, which is also being supported by Sigma Motor.

After placing seventh in last season’s European championship standings, the three-time outright ERC podium finisher is aiming to make further gains in 2024.

“I would like to thank all the partners who supported this project and believe in it,” Mareš said. “A lot of work is behind us, but much more lies ahead. I drove the Yaris in the fall during the asphalt tests, but the first kilometres are still waiting for us on gravel. I believe that my team and I can quickly adapt to the new technique, and from the start of the season we will be tough competition for our opponents. I can't wait for the first tests and especially the start of the season.”

The involvement of Dolák Motorsport marks the return of a famous name to rallying after an absence of more than 20 years. Milan Dolák won the Czech title driving a Toyota Celica GT Four in 1997 and also scored several notable rally wins in his homeland.

His son, Milan Dolák Jr, heads up Dolák Motorsport and said: “We are very happy that we managed to acquire the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. All the more so since we are the first in the Czech Republic and among the first in Europe. We quickly found common ground with Filip on the issue of cooperation.”

Mareš and Dolák Motorsport will enjoy the support of the Czech Toyota importer. Martin Peleška, a representative of the Toyota and Lexus brands in the country, said: “In the WRC championship, the GR Yaris Rally1 scores the highest points, the WEC championship is currently represented by the hybrid GR010 and the off-road W2RC special DKR Hilux EVO T1U. The last of the series is now the GR Yaris Rally2. It has been homologated by the FIA since this year and we are excited that one of the first cars will be used by the Czech crew Filip Mareš and Radovan Bucha. We keep our fingers crossed for our crew. They have our great admiration and support.”

V-Híd Rally Hungary opens the 2024 ERC season from 12 - 14 April.