ERC
MRF Tyres great on gravel for first 2025 ERC supplier win
MRF Tyres claimed its second victory in the FIA European Rally Championship for Tyre Suppliers after Roope Korhonen prevailed in Hungary last weekend.
Having triumphed on Rally Silesia’s asphalt stages last October, the Indian manufacturer added a first win on gravel in the new-for-2024 title contest, which was introduced to further highlight the achievements of the ERC’s official tyre suppliers, Hankook, Michelin, MRF and Pirelli.
Korhonen counted on MRF Tyres to win in the ERC
© ERC
“It was really, really rough and a long rally but we managed a good pace for the whole weekend,” said Korhonen, who drove a MRF-equipped Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside fellow Finn Anssi Viinikka. “The tyres felt good and strong and we had good help and support from the MRF engineers.”
The tyres felt good and strong and we had good help and support from the MRF engineers
While it was a win on the rough and tough ERC Staff House Rally Hungary stages for MRF Tyres, Michelin built on its 1-2-3 finish on the 42nd Rally Sierra Morena - Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad last month with Mads Østberg finishing second and Miko Marczyk completing the podium in third place.
Miko Marczyk helped keep Michelin on top of the title standings
© ERC
There was success for Pirelli in the FIA ERC3 Championship with Igor Widłak leading a podium lockout that also featured Martón Bertalan and Hubert Kowalczyk. The Italian company also celebrated overall stage wins courtesy of Jon Armstrong and Andrea Mabellini, who led the rally for nine stages.
Official Junior ERC tyre supplier Hankook provided expert support to 20 crews as Calle Carlberg scored emphatic victories in both the young driver category and ERC4. Meanwhile, one-time Junior ERC event winner Isak Reirsen and 2023 Junior ERC champion Norbert Maior – contesting his first ERC round in a Rally2 car – finished fourth and sixth respectively.
How it stands: FIA European Rally Championship for Tyre Suppliers after Round 2 of 8
1 Michaelin, 99 points
2 Pirelli, 64
3 MRF, 56
4 Hankook, 51
BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia forms round three of the 2025 ERC season from 29 -31 July. Based in the Swedish city of Karlstad, the event uses high-speed gravel stages in the Värmland region.
