Support from MRF Tyres puts Evans in ERC Pole position

Evans was restricted to ninth place on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion last month – his first ERC start at Rally2 level – following pop-off valve issues but was still able to use the outing to showcase his potential at the wheel of his Castrol MEM Rally Team-entered Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.  

“The whole thing came about after Rali Ceredigion,” Evans, 29, explained. “We had a few chats with Vivek [Ponnusamy] and we got the opportunity through MRF Tyres to do the rally, without them it wouldn’t be possible. It’s a great opportunity and I’d love to do more at this level, but it’s always had to find the budget, especially when you’re doing another championship as well. MRF has always believed in young driver development programmes, it will be great opportunity for me to develop as a driver and show what I can do on such a competitive stage.”

Evans, who also competes in the British and Irish championships, continued: “In terms of aspirations for Rally Silesia it’s hard to know. I’ve never driven on the tyres before, we have some experience with the car but it’s still developing. If we can have a solid run, show some speed and get to the end it would be a success. And obviously build some experience because I’d like to do more ERC next year, it would be great to do it full time but that’s a chat to have over the winter with some people.”  

Andrea Mabellini and Simone Tempestini will complete the Team MRF Tyres’ line-up on Rally Silesia, which takes place from 11 - 13 October. The Italian and Romanian will drive Škoda Fabia RS Rally2s on the all-asphalt ERC season showdown.