Josh McErlean earned his career‑best finish in the World Rally Championship by ending the Acropolis Rally in Greece in sixth place.
Season start left much to be desired
The Irishman’s campaign began poorly, with three top‑ten results and a series of setbacks across the opening rounds. Errors in Monte Carlo and Portugal left the Ford Puma trailing, while a mechanical failure in Kenya and punctures in Croatia further eroded his confidence.
Despite the early struggles, McErlean found a small silver lining by contesting a stage win at the Donegal International Rally, a development the driver said helped restore belief in his season.
Acropolis Rally – triumph on a rocky stage
During the Greek event McErlean survived brutal gravel sections, recording times that would see him finish fourth before a penalty dropped him to sixth. A vigorous roadside repair of a damaged damper on Saturday salvaged the pace that had plummeted the day earlier.
Team‑mate Jon Armstrong, on the other hand, captured a maiden stage victory before a turbo failure forced him to retire from third place. Armstrong’s performances have been a bright spot for the M‑Sport team.
Penalty that altered the final order
After stage 16, a one‑minute penalty was issued when co‑driver Eoin Treacy was found not having securely fastened his seatbelt. The unanticipated off‑road excursion had almost ended the rally entirely, but the penalty kept McErlean in the hunt while dropping him from fourth to final sixth.
Confidence regained, future on the line
McErlean noted that the result, his best to date, has relieved the pressure that had accumulated from the season’s start. “It has been quite a relief … it gives you the confidence you need to fight for good times,” he told Motorsport.com.
The finish will no doubt influence his plans for the next season, as he stresses that results drive opportunities in the sport. “There is no doubt about it. I think it is a sport that is determined by results,” he said, hinting that onward success could follow.
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