Wed 22 Feb 2023

‘Optimistic’ Sesks gears up for full ERC title assault

Team MRF Tyres has confirmed its latest driver for this year’s FIA European Rally Championship, with Mārtiņš Sesks set to contest a full programme in 2023.

The Latvian hotshot becomes the second addition to the team's line-up, following reigning champion Efren Llarena's announcement earlier this week.

Sesks piloted an MRF-shod Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo2 during selected outings in 2022, with the highlight undoubtedly being his maiden ERC victory on home soil at Tet Rally Liepāja, where he won every single stage.

The 23-year-old has upgraded to a brand-new Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 for a full season attack. The car will be prepared by Sports Racing Technologies, with Sesks once again being joined by Renars Francis in the co-driver’s seat.

The duo will test the car later this week before giving it its competitive debut Rally Alūksne, which starts on Friday in Latvia. Attentions then switch to the ERC’s opening round, Rally Serras de Fafe, from 10 - 12 March.

“A few weeks ago, there was a plan from A to C and then D,” Sesks laughed. “Now, everything has come together, and we are able to turn plan A into a reality - which is to drive a full ERC season with the best team, the best tyres and the best car.

“It's a pleasure to do this and I'm feeling really optimistic, too. I feel like this season can be a turning point for us to really show ourselves and show what we can do.”

While Sesks remained tight-lipped when asked about his season objectives, he did express confidence in having the necessary skills and equipment to compete at the front.

“It's always speculation before the season starts and the scores are on the boards,” he told FIAERC.com. “All I can say is that I think we have got the best package I've ever had so far in my driving career.

“Everything is looking really promising, but I don't want to speculate too much. For sure, we will do our best, but I also don't want to put any unnecessary pressure on ourselves. We will prove ourselves on the stages.”

Finland
Starts: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM
Italy
Starts: Friday, July 26, 2024 at 8:30:00 AM
Hungary
Starts: Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 9:30:00 AM