Josh McErlean has joined the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team for the upcoming 2025 WRC season. The Rally1 debutant will be behind the wheel of a Ford Puma Rally1 at every event next season.
M-Sport said it would announce “another promising junior crew” whilst confirming Grégoire Munster’s 2025 Rally1 programme, today the British squad has confirmed that Josh McErlean will make his Rally1 debut at the pinnacle of the sport at the Monte Carlo Rally next month.
The 25-year-old will be Munster’s team-mate at all 14 rounds of the 2025 WRC season.
McErlean finished ninth in this year’s WRC2, scoring one podium with second at Rally Portugal. The Irishman will have a new co-driver in Eoin Treacy. The duo, supported by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, will make their top-level WRC debuts in 2025.
McErlean: ‘Truly a dream come true.’
“Joining M-Sport Ford next year to drive the Puma Rally1 in the World Rally Championship is truly a dream come true. I’ve always aspired to compete at the highest level of motorsport, and now that opportunity is becoming a reality. I’m incredibly excited to be working with such a professional and dedicated team, and Eoin and I are ready to give it everything.
“This is a massive step in my career, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved, Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, John Coyne, supporters, family, and the team for making this possible. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel,” McErlean said.
M-Sport Team Principal Richard Millener said: “M-Sport is renowned for giving opportunities to up and coming talents in the sport. With the backing of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, that is exactly what we will be doing for Josh and Eoin. 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.
“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. 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.
“I am really looking forward to working with them, and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, to make this a positive season for us all.”
Photo: M-Sport
