Josh McErlean Set for WRC Top-Tier Debut with M-Sport in 2025

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy competitor Josh McErlean is set to make his inaugural appearance in the premier category of the World Rally Championship during the 2025 season, partnering with M-Sport for a full campaign. The 25-year-old McErlean will pilot a Ford Puma Rally 1 throughout the entire WRC season, commencing with the renowned Rallye Monte Carlo from January 23-26. This event marks the initial stage of 14 competitions scheduled across four continents. His participation will mark him as the first Irish driver to compete in the sport’s highest division since the late Craig Breen in 2023, and the first from Northern Ireland since Kris Meeke competed in 2019. McErlean, who has achieved a podium finish in WRC2 – the secondary category of the premier rallying series – will have Eoin Treacy, also a member of the Motorsport Ireland Academy, as his co-driver. According to McErlean, advancing to Rally1 with a team such as M-Sport, known for fostering the careers of drivers including Ott Tanak, Breen, and Adrien Fourmaux, represents a “dream come true.” “I’ve always aspired to compete at the highest level of motorsport, and now that opportunity is becoming a reality,” McErlean stated. “I’m incredibly excited to be working with such a professional and dedicated team, and Eoin and I are ready to give it everything.” He added, “This is a massive step in my career, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved for making this possible. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.” McErlean has participated in WRC2 for several seasons, achieving a podium placement in Portugal during May. His rallying career commenced in 2015 with a victory in the Junior 1000 Rally Challenge title, followed by securing the Junior British Rally Championship in 2019. His initial foray into the WRC occurred later that same year at Rally Wales GB, driving a Hyundai R5. He transitioned to full-time WRC2 competition in 2022, alongside making several notable appearances in the European Rally Championship. While McErlean has demonstrated a consistent and successful progression through the ranks of rallying thus far, his advancement to the top category undoubtedly presents a significant challenge for the driver from Kilrea. Nevertheless, M-Sport is considered an optimal team for nurturing young talent. The organization has been instrumental in the development of drivers including 2019 champion Tanak, Breen, Fourmaux, and Wales’ Elfyn Evans. Josh McErlean secured a second-place finish in WRC2 in Portugal during May. Consequently, M-Sport team principal Richard Millener indicated that there would be “sensible expectations” for the Motorsport Ireland crew. Millener stated, “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.” He further added, “We need to continue to invest in new and emerging talent in the WRC. I am proud to be able to give another two guys the chance to do this.” Millener concluded, “The targets and expectations for the year will be very sensible, but I know that the team and all the Irish fans will be behind the pairing and this opportunity for them.” McErlean and Treacy are scheduled to experience the Ford Puma Rally1 for the first time at M-Sport’s facility in Cumbria on Thursday, marking the commencement of their preparations for the inaugural round of the season in Monte Carlo. Luxembourgish driver Gregoire Munster and his co-driver Louis Louka, who secured an eighth-place finish in the WRC last season, will also be present at M-Sport.