After Mikko Heikkilä and Mārtiņš Sesks both retired their Toyotas from leading positions on the final day of the gravel event, it was left to Czech talent Mareš to make more ERC history in his Hankook-run Yaris.
Having spent much of the event adapting to his ACCR Toyota Dolák-entered machine and Hankook’s new R213M tyre, Mareš surged though from 21st after SS2 to 10th at the completion of the Power Stage.
“It was difficult to be honest,” 32-year Mareš said. “Not only is the Toyota new for me but also the Hankook tyres, so we were learning, learning, learning and every stage was different for me. But for sure I see a good potential in this package.”
Mareš and co-driver Radovan Bucha continue their ERC campaign on Rally Islas Canarias from 2 - 4 May.
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