Mission accomplished for McErlean at Rallye Monte Carlo

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean has achieved a career milestone by securing an impressive seventh overall at Rallye Monte Carlo [23-26 January] in his M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 debut in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Stepping into the WRC’s premier category, the 25-year-old from Kilrea returned a stellar performance, and along with fellow Academy member co-driver Eoin Treacy, upheld M-Sport honours.

The M-Sport driver faced an unprecedented learning curve as he tackled the unforgiving terrain of Rallye Monte Carlo, which presented unpredictable conditions, including ice, snow, and mud-strewn asphalt. McErlean not only overcame the usual challenges associated with the season opener but also managed the added difficulties of making his Rally1 debut at this iconic event, widely regarded as one of the toughest rallies on the WRC calendar.

Despite the high stakes and a competitive field of world-class drivers, McErlean rose to the challenge, a legacy of his experience built during an illustrious career through rallies at home in Ireland, the UK and across the globe. A journey that has been nurtured through his involvement with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, a programme that aims to develop young Irish rally talent and prepare them for the global stage.

“I’ve realised a dream this weekend and it will take a little while to sink in” McErlean shared after the rally.

“It was quite daunting standing in Casino Square at the start, knowing what was ahead of us, but we had a plan to follow, and it was vital to stick to that throughout. Taking seventh overall is probably better than we had hoped for, and it was mission accomplished for us this week.

“Rallye Monte Carlo is an event every rally driver dreams of tackling, and to compete here in Rally1 machinery for the first time is something truly special. It’s been an incredible learning experience, and I’m thrilled to have secured my first championship points in Rally1 with the best drivers in the world around me.”

McErlean’s performance behind the M-Sport Ford Puma was hailed as the perfect start to a debut season. His seventh-place finish marked a personal milestone, and he expressed gratitude to his team and supporters.

“This result wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from M-Sport, the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, and everyone who has been part of my journey so far. Eoin was faultless all weekend too, and it’s been a huge step for us both, but I’m excited for what’s to come.”

John Coyne, Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy Patron, said, “I’m proud of how Josh and Eoin managed their debut in the top tier of WRC. They achieved or exceeded all our pre-event targets and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Academy development process. I’m looking forward to supporting their continued development throughout the season.”

Richard Millener, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Principle, said, “Josh and Eoin have had a fantastic weekend, we asked them to just get the car to the end of the event and use it as a learning experience for the start of what is going to be a huge year for them, they did exactly that. This year the Monte Carlo Rally was really a difficult one. Well, they approached the Event very sensibly, and I can say I am very impressed with how they have ended the rally taking championship points where some of their much more experienced rivals left empty-handed. Sweden will be another very difficult event but for tonight, they can both relax, sit back and enjoy what they have just experienced and be happy. They are now a point scoring world championship crew”.

With his debut in Rally1 machinery now under his belt and his first WRC points secured, McErlean is poised to take on even greater challenges in the coming season, carrying the hopes of Irish rally fans with him every step of the way. The next event on the WRC calendar heads for the snow-lined stages of WRC Rally Sweden in February.

McErlean is backed by Woodland NI, Admore Air Conditioning, SDC Trailers, Hutchinson Engineering, McCormack Contracting Inc, Fastener Connections, Shamrock Building Systems and EC Framing Inc.