Team MRF Tyres signs Czech specialist Erik Cais for the 2026 FIA ERC season, focusing on high-performance asphalt rounds across Europe.
Erik Cais to Drive Hyundai i20 N Rally2 for Team MRF Tyres
Team MRF Tyres has announced that Czech driver, Erik Cais, will race for the MRF Tyres-sponsored Kowax Rally Team, on the tarmac surfaces, in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) 2026, which is scheduled to begin in Andalusia, from April 16th to 19th, under the official name Rally Sierra Morena – Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad.
Team MRF Tyres described Cais as “one of the most promising specialists in the category”. Born in 1999, he has established himself as one of the best young drivers in Europe, particularly in asphalt rallies. His achievements include victory in the Central European Rally Trophy in 2022, alongside a series of memorable performances, most notably at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2021, where he came within a narrow margin of a win in his hometown.
Cais’ stint with Team MRF Tyres began last year at Rally Croatia. Since then, he quickly became a key part of the campaign and contributed to the team’s title-winning effort. His performance last season convinced the higher-ups to sign him full-time for the upcoming season, where he will drive in all five tarmac rounds with a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, alongside co-driver Igor Bacigál.
“I’m very happy to continue with Team MRF Tyres after what we built together last season. The level of the ERC is extremely high, especially on asphalt, and we know how important every detail will be. We want to be competitive from the start and fight for strong results throughout the season,” said Cais.
Cais’ signing further strengthens Team MRF Tyre‘s asphalt line-up in the championship. Together with Simone Tempestini, the 26-year-old will support the ongoing development of MRF tyres across high-grip conditions by giving technical feedback for a structured testing programme aligned with the demands of the calendar.
The FIA ERC 2026 will run from April to September 2026. After the first series in Spain, the competition will be held in Sweden, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom before its conclusion in Portugal.
