The fourth round of the 2021 FIA European Rally Championship takes Team MRF Tyres to the tarmac of the Czech Republic and the Barum Czech Rally Zlin. For this rally, Jari Huttunen steps into the cockpit of the MRF Tyres Hyundai i20 R5. We sit down with the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing driver before the rally.
Team MRF Tyres: Hi Jari, welcome to Team MRF Tyres. We are here at Barum Czech Rally Zlin. First of all, what are your impressions of being here with Team MRF Tyres?
Jari Huttunen: It is really nice to be part of the team and it is really interesting to test the tyres. The first time I will test the tyres is here in Zlin and my first impressions are that the tyres are really good. I was expecting the tyres to not be at the standard they are and at the start I was surprised with how good they feel.
Team MRF Tyres: Your role with the team is all about tyre development, so what are the goals this weekend?
Jari Huttunen: We have come here for the development. The rally is also really interesting and the weather will also be interesting. When we checked the weather, it said rain Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If it is raining it can be difficult to make the right choices. Obviously, if it is always wet it is a bit easier, but wet and dry, it can really be a lottery. It is not the easiest rally, I was here in 2017 and it was a difficult rally, but we will aim to make the most of the development opportunity.
Team MRF Tyres: How do you approach this weekend? A new team and as you say a tough rally.
Jari Huttunen: Yes, it is a big challenge. I don’t know what to expect through the weekend other than trying to drive the rally without any mistakes and just get as much data as possible.
Team MRF Tyres: For the fans at home or stageside, what can they expect from this rally?
Jari Huttunen: It is nice to see the crowds and let them see the cars in action. I am sure it will be an interesting rally to watch online. Mostly, I am really happy to be here at the Barum Czech Rally Zlin and it will be nice to rally and develop MRF Tyres. All I can say is that I am excited about this rally.
Team MRF Tyres: Thanks Jari, best of luck this weekend.
Jari Huttunen: Thanks!
