2015 Australian Classic Rally champion, Clay Badenoch, will use MRF Tyres in the upcoming Alpine Rally, the country’s premier classic gravel event.
Consistency and reliability has been the key to Badenoch’s 2015 season so far, with the Toyota Celica driver having his best year to date.
However, this month’s Alpine Rally will see new challenges for Badenoch and co-driver, Andrew Dunbar.
This will be their first entry in the bi-annual Alpine Rally, as well as being their first event on MRF Tyres, which have only recently become available in Australia.
“It’s going to be a tough event, with lots of fast drivers and cars who I haven’t competed against before,” Badenoch said.
“Reliability is the key, and we’ll be looking at a top 10 finish after the three days of competition.
“I’m really looking forward to using MRF Tyres for the first time, as the tyres have a great reputation.
“This is the first support of any kind that we’ve had in our rallying careers, and I’m hopeful that this event with MRF Tyres will be the first of many.”
CEO of Mentor Tyres, the company that imports MRF rally tyres into Australia and New Zealand, Vivek Ponnusamy, said that the company's support of Badenoch was an easy decision to make.
“Clay has shown over the past couple of years that he’s a fast and consistent driver, and we’re confident that he’ll achieve a good result in the Alpine Rally,” Ponnusamy said.
“The main advantage is MRF Tyres’ ability to withstand the hot and dusty conditions at the Alpine Rally. Our tyres suit the conditions very well.
“The Alpine is the oldest rally in Australia, and one of the oldest in the world, and MRF Tyres / Mentor Tyres are thrilled to be supporting the current Australian Classic Rally Champion in this prestigious event.”
Badenoch has been training hard for the hot and tortuous conditions that the Alpine Rally is likely to throw up.
Based in Lakes Entrance in Victoria’s Gippsland region, the Alpine Rally has attracted over 100 entries, and is widely regarded as Australia’s most popular rally.
Badenoch’s car will feature prominent MRF Tyres signage throughout the duration of the event.
Competitors interested in using MRF Tyres for the Alpine Rally, or other events, should contact Vivek at vivek@mentortyres.com or 0424 246 611.