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Belfast Telegraph
41 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
I'm confident but there's no room for error in Sardinia, admit Josh McErlean
McErlean led the M-Sport Ford charge in Portugal last month with an eighth-place finish to win his inter-team rivalry against more experienced team-mate Gregoire Munster. The Kilrea man's decision not to tinker with the set-up of his car at service paid dividends as he ended the gruelling fixture 45 seconds up on the Luxembourgian. It was the result McErlean had been craving following a disappointing end to the previous round on the Canary Islands, where an incorrect pace note contributed to a final day accident. He is now aiming to maintain that upward trajectory in Sardinia where the abrasive gravel tracks cut through mountainous forests, meaning an inch-perfect approach is required. 'Sardinia is one of the toughest rallies on the calendar,' said the 25-year-old Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy-backed competitor. 'There's no room for error here. It is narrow, rough and can catch you out at any second but after the positive result in Portugal, I feel we are progressing in the right direction.' Based in Olbia on the rugged northeastern coast of the Italian island, round six of the FIA World Rally Championship follows a traditional format: two loops of three stages on Friday and Saturday, followed by a slightly shorter day on Sunday that includes the Power Stage. 'You have to learn to love this rally, you can't fight it or it will bite you back,' explained McErlean who, last year, chalked up eight top-five stage times in WRC2. 'It is a test for both car and crew, that is what makes it so rewarding. To go against these guys, to match and beat them is a nice confidence boost — but you still have to stay modest and realistic.'.
Irish Examiner
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
McErlean and Treacy finish eighth in Portugal
Motorsport With the best performance of their maiden WRC Rally1 season, Kilrea's Josh McErlean and Killeagh's Eoin Treacy brought their M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 home in eighth place in the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, the fifth round of the World Rally Championship. Gradually building their pace over the 23 stages and watched by some half a million spectators over three days, the Irish duo were the top-performing M-Sport Ford crew. The rally was won by French driver Sebastien Ogier (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) for a record seventh time as the Toyota team notched a sixth successive victory in Portugal. Estonian Ott Tanak was controlling proceedings until his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 lost time on Saturday's penultimate stage that dropped him to third. He recovered to finish second, 8.7s behind Ogier and 3.5s ahead of Finland's Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1). Tanak struggled on Saturday's opening three stages, suffering a puncture on SS13 some six kilometres from the stage end. Nevertheless, he managed to retain the lead - 11.8s ahead of Ogier with Rovanpera a further 24s behind in third. Tanak remained in control and increased his lead over Ogier to 13.9s but it went awry on the day's penultimate test (Amarante2) when his Hyundai developed a power steering issue midway through the 22.1km test. He dropped some 45s and slipped to third. Eight-time world champion Ogier inherited top spot and ended the penultimate leg with a 27.6s lead over his Toyota Gazoo Racing team mate Kalle Rovanpera with the unfortunate Tanak 8.5s further behind in third. 'It's not the way you want to win any fight,' said Ogier. 'We were both pushing really hard - that's the game." Tanak said, 'It's part of the game, I guess. Very unfortunate, but we gave everything from our side.' Rovanpera eclipsed teammate Takamoto Katsuta on SS14, the latter then dropping behind Hyundai's Thierry Neuville, who slotted into fourth on the penultimate stage. Having lost time on Friday as he opened the roads, championship leader Elfyn Evans struggled to find any rhythm even though he had a better road position, he was seventh - 17.5s behind team mate Sami Pajari. McErlean/Treacy moved up to eighth, edging past M-Sport Ford team mate Gregoire Munster on the opening stage with the margin increasing to 28.5s at the end of the leg. "I think you have to do a mind shift to not care, but obviously you want to protect the car and try to get the experience, so it's kind of the balance between saving it and going at it." said McErlean. Tanak won all but the first of Sunday's six stages, in the process reeling in Rovanpera for second as he claimed ten extra championship points, five each from Super Sunday and the Power Stage. Sixth placed Evans still leads the series - 30 points from Rovanpera. At the finish McErlean added, "Crazy rally as always, so nice to come to the finish and have some good times as well. Big thanks to the whole team, because four cars (M-Sport) without any problems is some achievement." Oliver Solberg (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) won the WRC2 category, his seventh such victory in the category. Donegal's Eamonn Kelly and Monaghan's Conor Mohan (Ford Fiesta Rally3) were as high as second in the Junior WRC category until a double puncture cost them time, they eventually finished seventh. Meanwhile, the Irish pairing of Killarney's Alan Ring and Newcestown's Adrian Deasy took the Munster Joinery liveried BMW M3 to a sixth place finish in Rallye d'Antibes Historic Rally, a counting round of the European Historic Rally Championship. They made a fine start to the nine stage rally and occupied second overall after the opening stage 10.23km stage. Weather conditions posed a tough challenge as they varied considerably from the service park to the stages that were some 50km away. They finished Friday's leg in eighth spot and made up two places on Saturday's stages. The legendary Jari-Matti Latvala took a lead of a minute a minute and 6.5s into the final stage where his Toyota Celica ST185 suffered an electrical glitch that forced his retirement with French driver Tom Pieri (BMW M3 E30) best placed to take advantage.
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
'This is a class rally' - McErlean eyeing progress in Portugal
The iconic Vodafone Rally de Portugal with the strongest WRC Rally1 entry in three years, is the latest challenge for the Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy as they continue their journey at the top tier of the World Rally Championship. With a second-place finish in the WRC category under his belt from last year, the 25-year-old Kilrea driver couldn't have imagined the trajectory of his career 12 months later. It's a similar situation for his Killeagh co-driver. Neither are letting the emotions of their spectacular climb get in their way. 'Our game plan, like any other event so far this season, is to progress as much as possible during the weekend." McErlean added, "The margins are tiny and there is zero room for error in Portugal. We need to think strategically and take it day by day. Our expectations remain realistic, we are still learning with every kilometre in the car." Portugal, round five of the WRC, is the first of seven gravel events on the bounce. 'I've done a few events over the years in Portugal but they are all in stark contrast to travelling over the stages in a Rally1 Puma.' said McErlean. Aside from a mistake that led to their retirement in Rally Islas Canaris, the pair are progressing well and the 340 competitive kilometres in Portugal should continue the process. After posting the seventh-quickest time in yesterday's shakedown where his Latvian team mate was quickest, McErlean remarked, "This is a class rally, everyone talks about Friday in Portugal being a big day and it's the same every year. The challenge this weekend is massive but at least we are in familiar territory." The Irish pair will be joined by their M-Sport Ford team mates Gregoire Munster (Luxemburg), Sesks and local hero Diogo Salvi. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Team arrive in Portugal with an unblemished start to the season having won all four rounds to date. In addition, the Japanese team are unbeaten in Portugal since 2019. Welsh ace Elfyn Evans, who is amongst the past winners (2021) has a whopping 43 points lead in the current series. Opposition, even with the Toyota camp, is fascinating with two-time WR champion Kalle Rovanpera, a double winner in Portugal and record six-time event winner Sébastien Ogier nominated (along with Evans) nominated to score points for Toyota's main team. Not surprisingly, Ogier commented, "I've always loved Portugal. It's a rally with a special atmosphere and amazing fans. Last year's win to make it six was really satisfying, repeating that this week would be incredible.' Takamoto Katsuta and his Northern Ireland co-driver Aaron Johnson are also in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. For Hyundai Motorsport, it's an opportunity for Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak (both past winners in Portugal) and Adrien Fourmaux to match their rivals. "We need a strong result as a team, we need to be stronger than the Toyotas and we need to outscore Elfyn - he has a big lead in the championship and we haven't been able to fight back as much as we would have hoped, so he will be our main target to beat in Portugal along with Kalle (Rovanpera).' said Neuville. The WRC2 category has a record-breaking 45 registered entries spearheaded by Oliver Solberg (Toyota Yaris Rally2)), Gus Greensmith (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2), series leader Yohan Rossel (Citroen C3 Rally2) and Pierre-Louis Loubet (Ford Fiesta Rally2). Although not registered for championship points, Northern Ireland's Kris Meeke will be the focus of attention in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. It is strongly rumoured he is amongst the 270 plus entries received for next month's Donegal International Rally. Meanwhile, Donegal's Eamonn Kelly (Ford Fiesta Rally3) and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Mohan continue their quest for the Junior WRC title, currently they are third in the series - fourteen points behind leader, Sweden's Mille Johansson. Elsewhere, Killarney's Alan Ring (BMW M3) winner of the Historic category of the recent Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes competes in the nine-stage (142.45km) Rallye d'Antibes Historic Rally that finishes tomorrow (Saturday). Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota Celica ST185) is the top seed.
Belfast Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Familiar surface and surroundings just what I need to hit back in Portugal, says Josh McErlean
McErlean makes his fifth start in a M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 this week alongside Eoin Treacy, keen to bounce back from last month's disappointment on Rally Islas Canarias. The pair were forced to retire on the last day after an incorrect pace note meant McErlean carried too much speed into a tightening right-hander, hit an Armco barrier and bent the rear suspension. Afterwards, Team Principal Richard Millener offered a robust defence of his new-for-2025 signing, saying the 25-year-old fully deserved his opportunity to compete at the top level. At one of his favourite events, and on his preferred surface, McErlean is keen to repay that unanimous vote of public confidence with a solid finish on his fifth visit to Rally de Portugal. 'It feels incredible to be heading back to Rally Portugal,' he said. 'This rally means a lot to me. We had an amazing result here last year, and I have been itching to return event since. 'This time, doing it in a Rally1 Puma just makes it even more exciting. It also marks the beginning of the gravel season — and there is nowhere better to kick it off than in Portugal.' In readiness for the 24 stages and 215 miles that lie in store, McErlean completed a pre-event test last week with the British squad on a series of roads similar to the sandy, clay-based surface that is renowned for becoming more rocky and rutted on the second pass. 'Whilst I have done a few events over the years in Portugal, they are all in stark contrast to travelling over the stages in a Rally1 Puma,' he said. 'Our expectations remain realistic. 'We are still learning with every kilometre, but it is safe to say I have been looking forward to this one. The fans, the atmosphere, the roads — everything about Portugal is just mega.' M-Sport Ford will run a third car in Portugal, with McErlean's regular driving mate Gregoire Munster being joined by Latvian prospect Martins Sesks for the second of his six outings this year.
Irish Examiner
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Motors: Armstrong aware of tough task in Rally Hungary 'mini Safari'
M-Sport Ford driver Jon Armstrong is very aware of his task in this weekend's Rally Hungary, the second round of the European Rally Championship where he will be co-driven by Donegal's Shane Byrne as the pair bid to open their championship account. Having switched from tarmac to gravel last year and based in the city of Veszprém, it's the first of the three ERC gravel events for Kesh native Armstrong and his fellow ERC contenders. 'Rally Hungary is massively tough. It's like a mini Safari. Ok, you don't have the fesh-fesh but there's a lot of undulation in terms of jumps into crests and dips. You have a lot of bedrock so it's tough on the tyres. It's based out of the military area of Hungary and the roads are quite beaten up. The suspension is tested to the maximum.' Last year he finished eighth but will be looking to improve on that result. 'I will try to build on what we learned last year and continue to work with Shane (Byrne) building on some good pace on Rally Sierra Morena (opening round), the main goal is to get some solid points on the board. We are putting in the effort in the background, hopefully, it will start to pay off.' With 28 others in the Rally2 category, Armstrong has to be on the pace right from the beginning of the 13-stage event. Last year's winner Romania's Simone Tempestini (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) also knows how difficult the event is. 'There are sections that are open and wide where you can see what is ahead. But, at the same time, you really have to take care about bumps and stones and the really high speed. Then you go in other stages that are completely different with a soft surface and many surprises.' He is joined by his MRF Tyres team mate and 2023 FIA WRC3 title winner and reigning Finnish champion Roope Korhonen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) and Miklós Csomós (Citroen C3 Rally2) , who finished third last year. The experienced Mads Ostberg also in a Citroen - but on Michelin tyres — should be at the cutting edge as should fellow Citroen ace Max McRae, steps up to the ERC Rally2 category. Northern Ireland's Philip Allen (Skoda Fabia Rally2) is also competing. Following tonight's head-to-head super special stage there are six stages tomorrow and six more on Sunday. Craig Rahill, Keelan Grogan and Aoife Raftery are amongst the Junior ERC category entry in their Peugeot 208 Rally4 cars. "We got a taste for what the car is like on the Moonraker Rally, but altogether, we have very little seat time on gravel this year. Our aim is to find a comfortable pace and try to stay out of trouble." said Rahill. Carrick on Suir's Casey Jay Coleman (Ford Fiesta Rally3) is amongst the 13 strong ERC3 entry. *** Meanwhile, Cashel's Pat O'Connell (Ford Fiesta R5) heads the entry for Sunday's Mitchelstown-based Sean Conlon Memorial Tipperary Forest Rally, the third round of the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship. With his closest championship rivals Vivian Hamill and Niall Devine not making the long trip south, O'Connell has the opportunity to stretch his current three points championship advantage on the six stage event. Reigning champion Monaghan's Derek Mackarel (Ford Fiesta R5), who slid off on the last round, has a quick opportunity to get back into the frame. However, Tyrone's Jason Mitchell (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2), Waterford's Andrew Purcell, Niall McGonigle and Gareth Mimnagh, all in Ford Fiesta Rally2 cars will not make it easy. It will be interesting to see how former Irish Tarmac champion Darren Gass (VW Polo GTI R5) will fare on what is a rare gravel outing. The top ten also includes the Ford Fiesta Rally2's of Clonakilty's David Guest and Northern Ireland duo Stephen Dickson and Martin Cairns. Tyrone's Hugh McQuaid and Donegal's Damien Tourish, both in Ford Escort RS1800's head the Modified category.
