Michelin on top at half-time in ERC Tyre Supplier title chase

It follows a dramatic conclusion to Delfi Rally Estonia last weekend when Michelin-equipped Georg Linnamäe beat Pirelli-shod Robert Virves in a final-stage reversal.  

“I can’t believe it,” Linnamäe said following his maiden ERC victory aboard a RedGrey-run Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. “After the penultimate stage we knew we had a big job ahead of us, but we knew our choice of soft-compound tyres would pay-off for the Power Stage, it’s just great. It’s been a great battle, the most fun I’ve had in a rally car ever, it’s just been mega.”  

Tim Hoare, ERC rally manager, Michelin Motorsport, has set winning the FIA European Rally Championship for Tyre Suppliers as the company’s goal for 2024. He said: “It changes the focus for us, it’s all about results this year and winning the title. Don’t make any mistake, we do want to sell tyres but it’s all about results, we’re not just here to take part.”

MRF Tyres holds third place in the new-for-2024 competition with Hankook, the exclusive tyre supplier to the FIA Junior ERC Championship, in fourth position.  

While the overall victory slipped away at the final hurdle, Pirelli triumphed in the FIA ERC3 Championship courtesy of Romet Jürgenson, while Hankook-equipped Jaspar Vaher took the FIA ERC4 Championship honours to go with his Junior ERC success.