MRF fields three-car squad in 2022 ERC

The Indian tyre giant, which made its championship debut in 2020, will enter a trio of identical Škoda Fabia Rally2 cars at all eight rounds. 

Italian star Simone Campedelli returns to the team for a second year. He will be joined by last season’s runner-up Efrén Llarena as well as Hungary's Norbert Herczig. 

The announcement comes after two seasons of development for Team MRF Tyres in the ERC, during which time the squad scored several podiums and stage wins. 

MRF Tyres vice-chairman and managing director Arun Mammen said the move was a testament to his company’s commitment to achieving success at the top of the sport. 

“To join the FIA European Rally Championship with three cars and three top drivers demonstrates our commitment to top line rallying,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing Team MRF Tyres compete at the top and I wish the team every success this year.”

Campedelli played an integral role in the development of the tyres in 2021, scoring his best result with the team at Rally Islas Canarias last November when he finished fourth. 

“It is great news that I will be joining Team MRF Tyres for the 2022 season,” he beamed. “The entire team has put in a lot of hard work to get to this stage and we are aiming for top results.”

New signing Llarena echoed Campedelli’s comments, adding that he hopes to go one better this year and take the title.

“We will be working 100 per cent to take victory for Team MRF Tyres. I am looking forward to joining the team and showing the pace of the MRF Tyres,” he said. 

At 46-years-old, Herczig brings a wealth of experience. He has four Hungarian titles to his name and scored three ERC podiums between 2018 and 2021. In 2022, he hopes for more of the same.

"I am starting the year with the highest hopes," he explained. "By now, I feel that in this field I can be fast, which was also confirmed by some podium positions. 

"In 2022, I would like to reach the end of the year on the podium and show the pace across the entire season. This is a big honour for me," he added.

The 2022 FIA European Rally Championship swings into action on the famous gravel tracks of Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras next week (12 - 13 March).

• Full coverage from Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras  will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.