WRC
McErlean on a high after big step up in performance
A much-needed confidence-boosting run and an upturn in performance have M-Sport Ford driver Josh McErlean heading into next week’s Rally de Portugal on a high.
Misfortune has rarely been far away for the Irishman this season, with retirements in Monte-Carlo and Kenya followed by a frustrating Croatia Rally, where punctures, an electrical fire inside his Ford Puma Rally1 and a subsequent engine issue all hampered his progress.
At last week’s Rally Islas Canarias, McErlean was desperate for his luck to change - and it did. The Irishman not only enjoyed a trouble-free rally but also appeared to have the edge over M-Sport Ford team-mate Jon Armstrong for much of the event.
McErlean delivered his strongest performance of the season so far to finish eighth overall.
“One hundred percent, the biggest thing was to come here and get a clean rally. Obviously after Croatia it wasn’t so clean, and to fight with Jon and battle with him here and show some Tarmac pace has been nice and a good improvement from my side,” said McErlean.
“It's been a really positive weekend for us. We had a clean rally for once, which represents a big step up in performance compared to previous events. The team has done an excellent job and I'm grateful for their patience and dedication in finding the improvements we needed.
“This is one of the most specialist rallies on the calendar. It tests your ability to manage tyre performance while refining a smooth Tarmac driving style on fast, wide roads.”
McErlean hopes the step forward on asphalt can also pay dividends at the final sealed-surface event of the year, FORUM8 Rally Japan.
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“In some ways [it can help for Japan], yes, from my side the driving has been better,” he said.
“But hopefully we can find a bit more from the car. I think there are still some limitations, so we’ll see what we can come up with over the next month.”
Back in the present, the Canary Islands result represents a much-needed mood lifter and arrives just before next week’s return to gravel at Rally de Portugal - an event where the 26-year-old has turned heads previously.
McErlean has plenty of experience to draw from, with next week’s outing set to be his sixth WRC Rally de Portugal start. Last year he finished eighth on his Rally1 debut there, while in 2024 he claimed a career-best WRC2 result when he finished second to Jan Solans.
“Portugal is next and the biggest one of the year for us and hopefully we can show some pace," he said. “It is nice to go there after so many times competing there and we have good memories. We have got a good road position so let’s try and make the most of it.”
