ERC
Cais rejoins Team MRF Tyres hoping to ace it on ERC asphalt
Erik Cais will take on Tarmac in 2026 after securing a huge opportunity with Team MRF Tyres to tackle the FIA European Rally Championship’s five sealed-surface rounds this season.
Czech Cais made his debut for Team MRF Tyres on Croatia Rally last October and his seventh-place finish was vital to the Indian premium competition tyre manufacturer’s affiliated outfit clinching the FIA European Rally Championship for Teams title for the third time.
Five ERC Tarmac counters are in strore for Cais
© Team MRF Tyres
The ERC podium finisher and multiple stage winner will continue to pilot a Kowax Rally Team-run Hyundai i20 N Rally2 alongside Slovak co-driver Igor Bacigál.
“I’m very happy to continue with Team MRF Tyres after what we built together last season,” said Cais, who remains one of Europe’s top rallying talents. “The level of the ERC is extremely high, especially on asphalt, and we know how important every detail will be. We want to be competitive from the start and fight for strong results throughout the season.”
The level of the ERC is extremely high, especially on asphalt
Kicking off his campaign on 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site from 17 - 19 April, Cais will also contest Rally di Roma Capitale, 82nd Rally Poland, Barum Czech Rally Zlín and JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.
Hyundai will power Cais in the 2026 ERC
© ERC
Cais, a winner at ERC3 level and a podium finisher in Junior ERC in the past, will partner Simone Tempestini at Team MRF Tyres. The 10-time Romanian champion was announced as the squad’s first signing for 2026 on Thursday.
