Two Team MRF Tyres crews in the fight for the podium at Rally Silesia – Rajd Śląska 2024

A highly positive day for Team MRF Tyres at the 8th Rally Silesia – Rajd Śląska 2024, the final round of the 2024 FIA European Rally Championship. After yesterday’s Qualifying Stage and the first super special stage, today confirmed the strong performance of drivers equipped with tyres from the Indian brand.

Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi (ITA) demonstrated remarkable pace in their Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, finishing the day in second place, just 6.8 seconds behind reigning European champion Hayden Paddon. With great confidence in the package at hand and backed by a flawless strategy, Mabellini was the only driver able to keep up with the New Zealander throughout the day, replicating the impressive form shown at the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion and preparing for an equally intense second day of competition.

“Today was a great day. I think we should be happy with how things went today. Tomorrow will be very different, not so much in terms of distance, but because the weather forecasts are unpredictable, and it will probably rain. So, strategy will also be key” said Mabellini.

Right behind Mabellini in third position is another Team MRF Tyres crew, consisting of Simone Tempestini and Francesca Maior (RO). The crew, in their Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 #5, delivered an equally thrilling performance. After a great morning loop, Tempestini stepped up in the afternoon, moving from fifth to third place. The Romanian driver now trails the leader by 25.5 seconds, but the battle for the podium is sure to continue tomorrow, keeping the fans on edge.

“I really like the stages here in Poland. It’s a very special place to race because around here I had my first podium in ERC Junior. The passion of the fans is immense and it’s a great atmosphere. Today was a good day and we hope to continue like this tomorrow and have fun” said Tempestini.

Returning to action after their crash at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín, Amaury Molle (B) and Alex Dubois (FRA) in their Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo are having a steady and consistent rally. Aware of the need to regain confidence and rhythm, the Belgian driver has progressively increased his pace, focusing on his approach and refining the pace notes.

“It was a good day. We worked on the notes and improved stage by stage. It’s great to be here and back in the FIA ERC at an event with such a strong passion. We’re working to build confidence with a view to the future” said Molle.

Unfortunately, Welsh driver Meirion Evans, co-driven by Jonathan Jackson in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, retired on the penultimate stage of the day. Making his debut on MRF Tyres, Evans had shown promising split times, but a crash, fortunately without any harm to him or his co-driver, ended their day early. The team will now assess the damage to the Japanese Rally2 car to determine whether they can rejoin the competition tomorrow.

The 8th Rally Silesia – Rajd Śląska 2024 will resume on Sunday, October 13th, for the final day of action, which will also conclude the 2024 FIA European Rally Championship. Six more special stages, covering an additional 81.56 competitive kilometres, are scheduled. The arrival ceremony is set to take place at the Silesian Stadium in Katowice, starting from 18:30 local time (CET).