Team MRF Tyres has become the 2023 FIA European Rally Champions, achieving a remarkable victory with two rounds left in the eight-round 2023 FIA ERC Championship.
This victory solidifies MRF Tyres’ position in the world of rally championships, outperforming other well-known global tyre companies. The team’s success spans different terrains, excelling on both gravel and asphalt surfaces.
In a hard-fought season, Team MRF successfully defended its 2022 team championship title, competing against established multinational rally tyre manufacturers. After achieving dominance with nine wins in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championships, MRF Tyres aimed higher by entering the top-tier European competition, joining the FIA ERC in 2020. Through focused product development and strategic efforts, MRF Tyres quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, clinching stages, rallies, and championships. This second ERC championship win highlights the exceptional quality, performance, and durability of MRF Tyres.
Entering the 2023 FIA ERC season with high expectations following their 2022 championship win, Team MRF Tyres encountered tough competition. The season began strongly with a podium finish in the Rally Islas Canarias by Efrén Llarena and Sara Fernandez. Martins Sesks with Renars Francis dominated the fast gravel stages of Rally Liepaja and Rally Poland, showcasing the precision and reliability of the MRF tyres.
Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Ltd,” said, “I am extremely proud of the success achieved by MRF Tyres in the 2023 FIA European Rally Championship. As India’s leading tyre manufacturer, we looked to take India to the world stage and compete in the toughest rally competitions in the world. We knew it would take dedication and determination to succeed, and to do it once was a challenge, to back up that success in 2023 proves the talent and skill of the entire team at MRF Tyres. I would like to extend my congratulations to the team, and I look forward to our future challenges.”
Martins Sesks, driver of Team MRF Tyres, said, “We came into this year knowing that it would be a challenge. In the FIA European Rally Championship, you have to earn every result, as the quality of the teams and the drivers is very high. I have been proud to represent MRF Tyres in the Championship, and standing on the top step of the podium after winning at home in Latvia and Poland, has made me extremely proud. I would like to thank and I would also congratulate everyone at MRF Tyres for this Championship success.”
With consecutive victories, Team MRF Tyres positioned themselves favourably for the Team’sTeam’s Championship, further strengthened by another podium in the first Royal Rally of Scandinavia. The team secured vital Powerstage points in the Rally di Roma Capitale, solidifying their goal of a second Team’sTeam’s Championship. Notably, the MRF Tyres Dealer Team also achieved podiums and stage wins.
Having secured two wins and two podiums in six rallies, Team MRF Tyres has demonstrated its undeniable dominance throughout the year.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 To Run On Continental PremiumContact C Tyres
- By TT News
- November 20, 2025
Hyundai has selected Continental's PremiumContact C tyre as original equipment for its all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV. This 21-inch tyre carries an XL marking, signifying its enhanced load capacity, a critical feature for supporting the substantial weight of an electric SUV. The design includes a rim protection rib to help prevent damage to the vehicle's wheels.
As a premium summer tyre developed for robust SUVs, the PremiumContact C combines safety, comfort and durability. Its more robust construction directly addresses the need for a higher load-bearing capacity. An innovative tread pattern, which incorporates adaptive sipe technology, is central to its performance, providing precise handling and reliable grip on both dry and wet road surfaces, even under full load. Furthermore, an extended contact patch promotes optimal pressure distribution against the road, contributing to shorter braking distances and reduced rolling noise.
A key feature for the IONIQ 9 is the integration of ContiSilent technology. This innovation actively dampens road noise within the passenger cabin, reducing intrusive sound levels by up to nine decibels for a noticeably quieter and more comfortable driving experience. This specific tyre line, sized 285/45 R21 113 V XL FR ContiSilent, has received original equipment approval for the vehicle across numerous global markets.
Volkswagen Tiguan And Tayron To Run On Hankook Ventus evo SUV Tyres
- By TT News
- November 13, 2025
Hankook Tire has been chosen as the original equipment manufacturer for the Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron SUV models, fitting them with its Ventus evo SUV tyre. This partnership covers a wide range of specifications, with six different tyre sizes from 17 to 20 inches available for the immensely popular Tiguan and five sizes for the five or seven-seater Tayron crossover. A key identifier for these specially developed tyres is a circled plus sign on the sidewall, signifying they are built to Volkswagen’s precise standards and are approved for factory installation on new vehicles.
The collaborative development process, centred at the Hankook Tire Technology Center in Hannover, prioritised a harmonious blend of comfort and dynamic performance. A major focus throughout the design phase was achieving the lowest possible noise level. Through meticulous tread design and an innovative compound in the tread material, the Ventus evo SUV attains a noise level below 66 decibels. This performance is crucial, as it helps the overall vehicle meet Volkswagen's strict maximum noise requirement of 68 decibels, significantly enhancing cabin quietness.
Further technical hallmarks of these premium tyres include Opti Pitch and Kerf designs, which work to minimise road noise. The implementation of Dual Pitch technology varies the number of tread blocks on the inner and outer sections of the tyre, a feature that enhances steering precision during cornering while also contributing to a quieter ride. Engineers carefully calibrated the tread height to ensure these acoustic benefits do not come at the expense of critical performance areas such as traction, braking, cornering stability or the tyre’s overall lifespan.
Final validation of the Ventus evo SUV involved rigorous testing that extended beyond laboratory simulations to demanding real-world tracks, including the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife. This extensive testing protocol confirmed the capabilities of all tyre sizes. Furthermore, Hankook tailored the driving character of the tyres by size; the 17-, 18- and 19-inch variants are engineered for superior comfort, while the 20-inch version offers a distinctly sportier feel. Production for the European market is handled at Hankook’s manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary.
Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Centre at Hankook Tire, said, “The provision of original equipment for the two SUV models Tiguan and Tayron is further proof that the Volkswagen Group considers Hankook Tire one of its top development partners in the tyre sector. We have succeeded in perfectly matching our premium summer tyre, Ventus evo SUV, in every tyre size to the driving characteristics of the two models and achieved our goal of combining the requirements for high comfort over long distances with a sporty character.”
Toyota’s New HILUX TRAVO To Run On DUNLOP GRANDTREK A/T31 Tyres
- By TT News
- November 11, 2025
Sumitomo Rubber Industries has announced that its Thailand-based affiliate will provide original equipment tyres for the newly unveiled Toyota Hilux Travo. The vehicle will be fitted with the specially optimised Dunlop Grandtrek A/T31 tyres.
These tyres were meticulously engineered to meet the demanding and varied conditions the Hilux Travo is expected to encounter. Through enhancements to their shape, internal structure and tread pattern, the tyres achieve a refined balance of travel performance, durability and comfort. A newly developed compound and a unique tread block sequence work in concert to deliver capable on-road and off-road performance while also ensuring quiet operation.
Furthermore, the dedicated tyre design aims for improved fuel efficiency and reliable handling on wet road surfaces.
Continental said it is supplying a range of summer and winter tyres for Porsche’s all-electric Macan, with the SUV offered with the SportContact 6 for high-performance driving, the CrossContact RX for comfort and all-season use, and the WinterContact TS 860 S for winter conditions.
All tyres feature the XL marking, indicating increased load capacity. The models approved for the Macan carry Porsche’s “NE0” sidewall designation.
The SportContact 6, part of Continental’s ultra-ultra-high-performance segment, is designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h. The company said engineers optimised the compound, tread and construction to deliver “exceptional grip and outstanding safety at high speeds”. The tyre features a newly developed reinforcement structure and a tread designed to maximise force transmission.
The CrossContact RX, aimed at drivers prioritising comfort and reduced road noise, combines a specialised tread and siping design with groove geometry intended to improve water clearance and reduce aquaplaning risk. Depending on specification, it is approved for speeds up to 270 km/h, with Macan-specific versions rated V (up to 240 km/h).
For winter use, Porsche recommends the WinterContact TS 860 S, which Continental said provides “maximum control, stability and driving enjoyment” for sports-oriented vehicles. The tyre is engineered to manage instant torque from electric powertrains and features low rolling resistance to help extend driving range.
Continental supplies original-equipment tyres to most of Porsche’s line-up, including the Taycan, Cayenne and Panamera.
Approved tyre sizes for the Macan include:
- SportContact 6 NE0: 295/40 R21 111Y XL; 255/45 R21 106Y XL
- CrossContact RX NE0: 295/35 R22 108V XL; 255/40 R22 103V XL; 295/40 R21 111V XL; 255/45 R21 106V XL; 285/45 R20 112V XL; 235/55 R20 105V XL
- WinterContact TS 860 S NE0: 295/35 R22 108V XL; 255/40 R22 103V XL; 285/40 R21 109V XL; 255/45 R21 106V XL
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