Advantage Michelin in ERC Tyre Supplier title chase as Hankook makes its mark

But while Michelin extended its advantage over Pirelli at the top of the title table, Hankook completed the challenging Tarmac event with its first ERC victory since Rally Hungary in 2019 after Dominik Stříteský (below) triumphed in mixed conditions aboard a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.     

Hankook was also victorious in the FIA ERC4 category with Patrik Herczig taking first place in a Peugeot 208 Rally4. Meanwhile, Pirelli celebrated victory in FIA ERC4 after Filip Kohn came out on top in his Ford Fiesta Rally3.

As is often the case on Czech Republic’s ERC counter, changeable weather was a key factor. For the decisive rain-hit SS8 on leg one, Stříteský opted for a mix of soft- and medium-compound Hankook tyres in a cross-pattern formation and was able to establish a lead that only twice dropped below 20 seconds thereafter.   

Filip Mareš was also a stage winner for Hankook, twice going fastest on leg two aboard his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Between them, Škoda drivers Adam Březík, Erik Cais and Simon Wagner banked 13 stage wins for Michelin.  

With six rounds run, Michelin has amassed 285 points, Pirelli has 262 points, MRF Tyres is on 165 with Hankook scoring 120 points so far.   

The ERC remains on Tarmac for next week’s Rali Ceredigion in west Wales (30 August - 1 September).