Czech dream ends early for Team MRF Tyres: ERC
Zlin (Czech Republic), 29 August 2021: Team MRF Tyres’ visit to the FIA European Rally Championship’s Barum Czech Rally Zlin ended early after showing good pace.
The rally got to a good start for Jari Huttunen and Mikko Lukka in the Team MRF Tyres Hyundai i20 R5 by taking fifth spot in the qualifying session.
The duo would take the fifth starting position and drove safely through the first night stage in the streets of Zlin.
The event was able to welcome spectators to both the stages and the service park, providing a carnival atmosphere.
Saturday’s stages started well, with the tyre development program front of mind. The potential of the tyres was shown through top six stage times.
However, the rally came to an end on Stage 7, the 18.86 Hošťálková stage. An off damaged the rear side on the driver’s side. It also damaged the engine, and that was too great to repair onsite within the timeframe allowed.
Team MRF Tyres will be back in action in the FIA European Rally Championship with the Azores Rallye from September 16-18.
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Jari Huttunen, Driver, Hyundai i20 R5
“We were enjoying the Barum Czech Rally Zlin for Team MRF Tyres. We were going through our plan to get more data for the tyre. Unfortunately, we crashed on SS7 and the damage was too great to repair on site and we have to retire. Both Mikko and I are ok and want to get back behind the wheel. I feel bad for the team. The MRF Tyre was performing well to that point.”
