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.
Bridgestone Supplies BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 As Original Equipment For New Yamaha YZF-R7
- By TT News
- June 29, 2026
Bridgestone has confirmed its role as the original equipment tyre supplier for Yamaha Motor’s newly unveiled Supersport model, the YZF-R7. The partnership will see the Japanese tyre giant provide its premium BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 tyres for the motorcycle, which has been extensively refined to balance racetrack-inspired performance with daily usability. This collaboration underscores a shared engineering focus between the two companies.
The latest iteration of the YZF-R7 features a comprehensively reworked chassis designed to deliver agile handling and precise cornering, allowing riders to fully exploit the motorcycle’s sporty character. Enhancements to stability and road feedback have been prioritised, resulting in a machine that offers both increased rider confidence and an exhilarating experience. The model retains the stylistic DNA of Yamaha’s racing heritage while incorporating practical features for everyday use.
Central to the tyre specification is the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, which has been engineered with an optimised shoulder groove ratio and revised pattern rigidity to elevate road contact sensation and overall performance. These improvements ensure high dry grip and responsive manoeuvrability essential for dynamic riding. Furthermore, the rear tyre incorporates a Pulse Groove pattern, a design that significantly boosts water drainage and maintains superior wet-weather performance, ensuring rider security and enjoyment even under sudden rainfall.
The selection of the Bridgestone tyres resulted from intensive joint development between the two manufacturers from the project’s inception. Yamaha’s evaluation team acknowledged the advanced capabilities of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, leading to its integration into the final vehicle. Through this supply agreement and its broader premium BATTLAX strategy, Bridgestone reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe and vibrant motorcycling culture. The company continues to align its efforts with its corporate commitment to inspire excitement and deliver lasting joy to the mobility sector.
Continental has been selected as an original equipment supplier for Nissan’s new all-electric Nissan N7, with the vehicle to be equipped with the EcoContact 7 tyre in a 19-inch size.
The tyre, in the 235/45 R19 99Y XL FR specification, achieved top ratings in the European Union tyre label categories for energy efficiency and rolling noise.
Continental said the EcoContact 7’s energy efficiency is supported by a new rubber compound and its Smart Energy Casing technology. Materials used in the tyre’s carcass, inner liner and sidewall are designed to reduce internal friction, lowering rolling resistance.
The tyre also incorporates an aerodynamically optimised sidewall design intended to improve efficiency. Continental uses what it describes as an “aerodimple” structure, inspired by the surface of golf balls, to reduce air turbulence behind the tyre and lower vehicle energy consumption.
The company said the tyre’s Silent Pattern tread design reduces rolling noise by optimising the spacing and angles of tread blocks. The design targets noise frequencies commonly generated during urban driving.
According to Continental, the result is lower noise levels both inside the vehicle and in the surrounding environment.
The EcoContact 7 approved for the Nissan N7 is available in the following specification:
- EcoContact 7, 235/45 R19 99Y XL FR
NEXEN TIRE Secures OE Supply Deal With BYD For Two EV Models
- By TT News
- June 22, 2026
NEXEN TIRE has secured its first original equipment supply agreement with BYD, marking a significant milestone in the global tyre manufacturer’s expansion within the electric vehicle sector. The partnership entails outfitting two distinct BYD electric models, the SEAL 6 and the Dolphin Surf, with specialised tyres, a move anticipated to elevate NEXEN TIRE’s standing among international EV producers.
For the BYD SEAL 6, destined for overseas markets including Australia, NEXEN TIRE will provide the N’FERA Sport, an ultra-high-performance summer tyre. This model is engineered for sporty handling and superior high-speed stability, having earned recognition through commendable performance in rigorous European tyre evaluations. Concurrently, the BYD Dolphin Surf, exported to Europe, will feature the N’Blue S tyre, a high-efficiency summer variant specifically developed to comply with stringent EU carbon emission standards by minimising rolling resistance while enhancing wet braking and drainage capabilities.
Since initiating its OE tyre sales to foreign automakers in 2012, NEXEN TIRE has solidified its reputation as a trusted supplier to major global manufacturers, including premium European marques. This latest collaboration with BYD underscores the company’s continued commitment to advanced technology and quality, further cementing its influence in the evolving automotive landscape.
John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Becoming an OE supplier for two BYD EV models demonstrates both our technological range and our quality competitiveness, as we can deliver optimised performance for both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with BYD moving forward.”
NEXEN TIRE Secures OE Supply For Hyundai’s Refreshed Grandeur Sedan
- By TT News
- June 16, 2026
NEXEN TIRE has secured a new original equipment supply agreement with Hyundai Motor Company, providing tyres for the recently updated version of the Korean automaker’s flagship sedan, known as The New Grandeur. This decision extends the existing partnership between the two companies, as NEXEN TIRE previously supplied tyres for the initial launch of the seventh-generation model. The renewed collaboration reinforces the tyre manufacturer’s role in supporting Hyundai’s premium passenger vehicle lineup.
The selected tyre for this application is the N'FERA Supreme S, an ultra-high-performance product engineered for premium vehicles. This model features NEXEN TIRE’s proprietary Noise Reduction System, which uses sound-absorbing materials to diminish resonance noise while driving. Furthermore, an AI-driven low-noise pattern design and advanced load distribution technology work together to minimise road vibrations and enhance overall cabin quietness, with the aerodynamic sidewall also contributing to reduced rolling resistance.
The New Grandeur distinguishes itself with a Seamless Horizon Lamp and the latest Pleos Connect infotainment system, aiming to boost its competitive standing in the luxury sedan segment. The N'FERA Supreme S is engineered to meet these elevated standards, offering robust grip and high-speed stability through a specialised 4D compound. Its durable sipe and groove structures are optimised to preserve consistent performance even as the tyre undergoes wear over time.
This latest supply deal marks a continuation of NEXEN TIRE’s broader strategic cooperation with Hyundai’s upscale vehicle range, having previously equipped models such as the Palisade SUV and the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. Since entering the international OE market in 2012, the manufacturer has expanded its clientele to include numerous global automotive brands, with this latest contract underscoring its acknowledged technological expertise and product reliability in a highly competitive sector.
John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Being selected once again to supply OE tyres for The New Grandeur demonstrates that the N'FERA Supreme S meets the high standards expected of a flagship sedan in terms of quietness and driving performance. We will continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with Hyundai Motor and other global automakers while expanding OE tyre supply for future mobility segments, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.”
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