ERC
Team MRF Tyres strengthens ERC driver line-up
Team MRF Tyres is going all out to win the FIA European Rally Championship for Teams for a fourth time in 2026 by adding to its driver line-up for next week’s season opener in Spain.
Having already announced Erik Cais and Simone Tempestini for the 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site, Team MRF Tyres has now recruited Andrei Gîrtofan to its attack in an exciting move.
Although Gîrtofan, 29, is new to the ERC and the Córdoba-based sealed-surface event, his pedigree on Tarmac is a hugely impressive as a two-time winner of the Romanian asphalt title, making his arrival at Team MRF Tyres hotly anticipated.
MRF Tyres branding is prominent on Romanian driver's Škoda Fabia
© Team MRF Tyres
“I’ve always wanted to reach the highest level, and now the ERC gives me that opportunity,” Gîrtofan said. “We are debutants, so the approach will be step by step, but the target is to enjoy every kilometre and achieve the best possible result for ourselves and for Team MRF Tyres. I’m really happy to have this opportunity with Team MRF Tyres, where I will benefit from full support from both the team and my team-mates, who have a lot of experience.”
The target is to enjoy every kilometre and achieve the best possible result for ourselves and for Team MRF Tyres
Backed by ProRally Team Brașov, the family-run structure founded by his father Dan Gîrtofan, a double Romanian champion, Balkan Rally Trophy winner and former ERC competitor, the younger Gîrtofan will compete in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 as he represents the Indian premium tyre manufacturer for the first time.
Team MRF Tyres will also count on Andrei Gîrtofan in the 2026 ERC
© Team MRF Tyres
The 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site opens the 74th ERC season from 17 - 19 April with the ceremonial start in central Córdoba scheduled from 20:00 local time on 16 April.
