Motorsport: Derry's Josh McErlean lands WRC drive with M-Sport Ford

The deal is supported by the MI Rally Academy, most importantly with the financial backing of philanthropist John Coyne, a mega-successful businessman, who won the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 1982.

McErlean is a former winner of the Billy Coleman “Young Rally Driver of the Year” award in 2019. 

Thanks to the continued support from the MI Rally Academy, with the backing of John Coyne, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise throughout an impressive season in 2024 alongside Cavan’s James Fulton highlighted by a stunning WRC2 second-place finish in Portugal early in the season.

Treacy (26) has also come through the MI Academy and has actually co-driven for Coyne on a number of events in North America. He has worked with the M-Sport team alongside Kesh driver Jon Armstrong in European Rally Championship events this season.

The Irish pair join M-Sport’s full-time line-up for next season alongside Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka. French driver Adrien Fourmaux recently departed the Cumbrian outfit to join Hyundai Motorsport for 2025.

A delighted McErlean said: 

“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.” 

 He added: “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.” 

For Treacy, who began co-driving with his father Allen over a decade ago, it’s the realisation of a boyhood ambition. 

“I’m really looking forward to 2025 with Josh, M-Sport, and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy. It’s a dream come true to start a season at the top level of the sport. Working with M-Sport in 2024 ERC alongside Jon Armstrong was a huge learning experience for me and I look forward to continuing to develop through 2025 I’d like to thank John Coyne, Josh, M-Sport, the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy for their support.” 

There’s little doubt that the Irish pair’s presence at the top tier of the WRC would not have been possible were it not for the huge financial support of John Coyne (74), who underpins so much of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and still competes in the sport. 

“The Academy’s purpose is to identify and develop young Irish athletes to compete successfully at the highest levels of the World Rally Championship. As key members of our Academy development programme, Josh and Eoin have made tremendous progress in applying their natural talents and developing their skills. I’m looking forward to continuing to guide and support their progress over the coming years at the top level of the sport.” 

M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Principal, Richard Millener commented: “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.” 

A few weeks ago Cavan’s James Fulton, who was McErlean’s co-driver for the past few seasons, announced that he was partnering Toyota WRC2 driver Yuki Yamamoto next year.