Summarize

Team Rally Technic Mazda2 crew Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich are the 2022 MRF Tyres South African rally champions following a dramatic come from behind victory in the final stage at the weekend’s TRAC Dullstroom Rally.

The duo started the season on the front foot and soon powered into a strong championship lead with two early season wins in their Rally Technic Hyundai. Coertse and Godrich then switched to their all-new Rally 2 spec Mazda2 midseason and went on to win two more rounds including Saturday’s finale, to ultimately score an emphatic championship victory.

Dullstroom threw rain, rocks, big logs, and frustration at the team. They retired from Friday’s round 11 after sustaining damaged suspension. But Chris and Greg bounced back to win Saturday’s finale in a dramatic come from behind final stage victory, to wrap up stunning 2022 SA National Rally Drivers and Navigators Championship success.

“It feels fantastic!,” newly crowned 2022 MRF Tyres South African Rally Champion Chris Coertse confirmed. “But honestly, we could not have done it without our whole team. “Everyone kept calm after yesterday’s mishap. “We knew we could do it and today we proved that. “We are definitely the number one team in this country!”

“We needed a clean day after Friday’s issues and Chris kept his head.” 2022 SA champion navigator Greg Godrich added. “We took it easy but went for it where we could see we could push, and we did what we had to do. 

“It was nerve wracking to win that last stage and make up those eleven seconds to win the rally and wrap up the championship in style, but it was worth it in the end. “Others had misfortune like us yesterday, but that’s how this sport goes. “We are so proud of this team and it’s a great feeling to be part of it. “Well done Chris!” 

“We salute the South African Rally Championship organisers on a milestone season. “The stage sport has bounced back in SA, which is great news. “Special thanks to TRAC and the town of Dullstroom for putting together such a splendid rally,” Chris Coertse concluded. And huge thanks to Mazda Southern Africa, Sparco and MRF Tyres for all the support!

“Now Team Rally Technic is looking forward an even greater season of rallying in next year. “Bring on 2023!”