M-Sport to field Josh McErlean in Puma Rally1 in 2025

The transfer market in the World Rally Championship had been relatively quiet so far. Apart from the signing ofAdrien fourmaux in Hyundai, not much had happened. This week, M-Sport has cleverly come to create the buzz. Instead of revealing its two crews at the same time, the team first confirmed the continuation of Munster's presence, which had seemed obvious. Then, the choice to trust Josh McErlean created much more surprise.

It must be said that the Irishman, who will be 26 on July 16, is a complete novice in Rally1. Having started behind the wheel in 2014, he gradually climbed the ranks in England and then in ERC and finally WRC2. A regular in this competition this year, he showed great speed, but he also often made mistakes that prevented him from making a success of his performance.

Winner of the Billy Coleman Award in 2019, McErlean has been supported by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy since 2020, whose cars have worn the colours of the Academy in recent seasons. This support, initiated by John Coyne, the founder of this Rally Academy, will continue in 2025 and it seems that this has been a crucial element in the partnership with M-Sport. The Irishman will work alongside Eoin Treacy, who worked with the M-Sport team alongside Jon Armstrong in the ERC in 2024. Treacy has participated in a co-driver development programme with the Academy over the last three years to prepare him for this new chapter with McErlean.

« M-Sport has a reputation for providing opportunities for young talent in the sport and we must continue to do so., explains Richard Millener, the team director. With the support of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, that’s exactly what we’re going to do for Josh and Eoin. 2025 will be a huge challenge for them, but it’s also a unique opportunity to show the world that they have what it takes to forge a career at the top of the sport. The targets and expectations for the year will be very reasonable, but I know the team and all the Irish fans will be behind this duo. I’m proud to be able to give them this opportunity. »

« Joining M-Sport Ford next year to drive the Puma Rally1 in the World Championship is truly a dream come true., says Josh McErlean. I have always aspired to compete at the highest level of motorsport and today it has come to fruition. I am very excited to be working with such a professional and dedicated team. Eoin and I are ready to give it our all. This is a major milestone in my career and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved – Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, John Coyne, the fans, family and the team. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel. »

For the novice, the task looks tough with the discovery of certain events, the learning of Rally1 and the introduction of Hankook tires. Josh will have to be patient in order to accumulate the maximum experience.