The second round of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship delivered drama, surprises and intense competition throughout the weekend. Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis secured second overall with a mature and controlled performance, while Brynildsen collected crucial points for the Teams Championship. Strong praise also goes to Simone Tempestini, an excellent fifth overall after a highly consistent rally.

 

Karlstad (SWE), May 26 – Team MRF Tyres leaves the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, round two of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship, with great satisfaction after securing second overall at the end of 16 special stages thanks to Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis aboard the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 run by SRT.
 
The Latvian driver, once again confirmed his talent, class and remarkable race management abilities, making the most of the competitiveness of the MRF Tyres gravel package, which played a substantial role in achieving this result on the fast and technical Scandinavian stages. Sesks managed the different phases of the rally like a hungry cat, taking some risks along the way but then delivering a superb second leg. Starting the day from fifth overall, he steadily climbed the order with effective stage times and a mistake-free approach that eventually allowed him to finish second, 15.7 behind the winners and missing to score the fastest time in the Power Stage for 0.4 seconds. A result that moves him up to third in the drivers’ standings, effectively second considering the top two drivers are tied on points. 
 
“MRF Tyres brought me back to this championship. It was not easy, but returning here, where everything started for us, was really special and it was fantastic to drive on these roads again. I’m happy with the result and hopefully see you again soon,” said Sesks.
 
Completing the result for Team MRF Tyres was Norwegian driver Eyvind Brynildsen, joined on this occasion by Swedish co-driver Anders Fredriksson aboard the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 also run by SRT. The winner of the 2025 Royal Rally once again showed speed, potential and strong confidence with the technical package, but compromised his chances with a mistake during Friday’s Qualifying Stage, which forced him to start near the front throughout Saturday’s leg. That handicap prevented him from fighting on equal terms with the main contenders. Despite the time lost while sweeping the roads, Brynildsen pushed hard throughout Sunday, recovering positions up to an extremely positive sixth overall, a result that allowed him to score crucial points for the Teams Championship, where Team MRF Tyres now leads by 61 points with a significant margin over its rivals.
 
“Thank you. It was a tough and crazy rally. It’s unbelievable how a small mistake in the Qualifying Stage can compromise everything else. From 18th to 6th is not bad at all. Thanks to MRF Tyres, and everyone who supported me and all the people who did a brilliant job throughout the weekend. It’s a pity because we could have fought for the podium, but I really enjoyed it and it was a fantastic opportunity” said Brynildsen.
 
The FIA European Rally Championship will continue in the first week of July with another asphalt event, the Italian round at Rally di Roma Capitale.
 
FIA European Rally Championship – Teams standings after round 2
1. Team MRF Tyres pt. 61; 2. Recalvi Team pt. 49; 3. JC Raceteknik pt. 32; 4. Rautio Motorsport pt. 28; 5. Motorsport Ireland Academy pt. 2