MRF set to make debut in WRC with Gill and Macneall

The three-time APRC champion, will kick-off his campaign with Australian co-driver, Glenn Macneall at Rally Italia Sardegna scheduled to be held between  June 7 to 10 as Team MRF will be making its debut in WRC. 

With MRF as the tyre choice, the team will compete with a Ford Fiesta R5 run and developed by M-Sport, the 2017 FIA World Rally Champions. The team will initially compete in four of the five gravel rallies on the calendar. 

Rally Italia Sardegna is the seventh round of the championship and a mid-season entry will give the team valuable experience as it prepares for the 2019 season. Gaurav Gill and Glenn Macneall have raced together for seven years as Team MRF and share a great camaraderie which will hold them in good stead for the tough season ahead.

Speaking of his participation on the world stage, Gaurav Gill, said “It is a huge honour for me to represent Team MRF in the World Rally Championship. I have always wished to participate in WRC and compete against the best in the world. I have been associated with the team for over 10 years now and I am thankful for this opportunity to showcase my skills at this level. I am training extremely hard in preparation for a tough challenge ahead and I hope to be on pace with the best in the world from day one.” 

Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Limited said  it is a great honour for the company in its rally endeavours. 

“We have been actively involved in promoting racing in India over the last 30 years and it gives us immense satisfaction to have a champion Indian racer in Gaurav Gill to spearhead our campaign in the World Rally Championship.” 

Mammen confirmed the team will look to develop new cutting-edge technology through extensive R&D and analysis of data collected from the track. Since 2018 is a development and familiarisation year to study the various parameters like terrains, tyres, cars etc., and as a part of this exercise a two-day private test session in Europe is scheduled at the end of this month. 

The 13 Round Championship has already completed six rounds, and Gill will be taking part as a non-priority driver for the four rounds. Malcolm Wilson OBE, Managing Director, M-Sport, said “It is great to welcome Gaurav Gill and MRF tyres to not only the WRC, but also M-Sport.”