Josh McErlean will make his debut in the WRC 2025 with M-Sport, driving the Ford Puma Rally1. This exciting new chapter in McErlean’s rally career begins at the iconic Rallye Monte Carlo, marking the start of his full-season campaign.
McErlean’s WRC debut is a historic moment for Irish motorsport. He will become the first driver from Ireland to compete at rallying’s top tier since the late Craig Breen in 2023, and the first from Northern Ireland since Kris Meeke in 2019. McErlean is also a podium finisher in WRC2, which is the second tier of the sport, showcasing his talent and readiness for the WRC’s demanding challenges.
McErlean’s Journey to the WRC
Josh McErlean has been steadily rising through the ranks of rallying, with impressive results in WRC2. His podium finish in Portugal in May 2023 highlighted his skill and consistency. McErlean began his rally career in 2015 by winning the Junior 1000 Rally Challenge title, then claimed the Junior British Rally Championship in 2019. His first foray into the WRC came that same year at Rally Wales GB, and he transitioned to full-time participation in WRC2 in 2022, with notable performances in the European Rally Championship.
Now, with M-Sport’s support, McErlean is ready to step up to Rally1. The 2025 WRC season will be a huge challenge, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase his potential at the sport’s highest level.
M-Sport’s Role in McErlean’s Career
M-Sport, renowned for its role in developing top-tier drivers like Ott Tänak, Craig Breen, and Adrien Fourmaux, is the perfect environment for a young driver like McErlean. M-Sport team principal, Richard Millener, has expressed confidence in McErlean and his co-driver, Eoin Treacy, saying, “2025 will be a huge challenge for them both, but a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show the world that they have what it takes to forge a career at the pinnacle of the sport.”
McErlean is excited to work with such a professional and dedicated team and is looking forward to the opportunity to prove himself on the world stage.
Preparation for the WRC 2025 Season
McErlean and Treacy will kickstart their WRC preparations on Thursday with their first taste of the Ford Puma Rally1 at M-Sport’s base in Cumbria. They will be joined by Luxembourg driver Gregoire Munster and co-driver Louis Louka, who finished eighth in the WRC last season. The pair’s debut at Rallye Monte Carlo will mark the beginning of their thrilling journey in the WRC.
For more information on the WRC, visit BBC Sports.
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