ERC
Cais ready for home ERC run
Local hero Erik Cais plans to build on his top 10 finish in Poland last month when he contests his home round of the FIA European Rally Championship next week.
Cais, who was brought up in Barum Czech Rally Zlín’s host city, finished 82nd Rally Poland tied on time with William Creighton in their battle for ninth place. Because Creighton went faster than Cais on the event’s first full-length stage, the Irish driver was handed ninth with Cais settling for 10th for Team MRF Tyres.
Nevertheless, the result marked the Czech star’s second points haul of the ERC season to leave him in touching distance of the top 20 positions ahead of his home event.
Czech star Cais competes for Team MRF Tyres in the ERC
© ERC
“I’m really happy we finished in the top 10,” Cais said. “For sure it’s bitter-sweet after finishing the last stage equal with William, he has been fast on the second stage which is counting for this, we totally respect that and congratulations to him. Anyway, it was a nice battle, and I really enjoyed it. We are happy we step up a little bit [in pace] and now we are really looking forward to our home event. It will be tough and long but a beautiful one.”
We are really looking forward to our home event. It will be tough and long but a beautiful one
Cais has experienced mixed fortunes on Barum Czech Rally Zlín over the years. On his debut in 2018, his 11th competitive start, the ex-downhill mountain bike rider was leading his class with two stages to go when he picked up a puncture after hitting a wall.
Cais was one stage away from home ERC glory in 2021
© ERC
In 2021, he started the final stage leading Czech legend and former ERC champion Jan Kopecký by 20.2sec only to roll into a retirement after he was caught out in a slippery section.
He won more stages than any of his rivals in 2024 but a 20sec penalty and a deflating tyre restricted him to third overall.
“It’s such a beautiful rally and the 55th edition will be special as always,” said the recently-turned 27-year-old. “I want to finish as good as possible for the points in the championship and for sure I want to be as fast as possible. I know how to win stages [on this rally] but the competition is on a really, really high level and maybe our speed is not the same this year.”
Poland points have served as a boost for Cais ahead of home event
© ERC
Cais, whose MRF-shod Hyundai i20 N Rally2 will be co-driven by compatriot Daniel Trunkát, has clocked 24 fastest stage times on Barum Czech Rally Zlín.
Barum Czech Rally Zlín takes place from 14 -16 August. Click HERE for more information.
