M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver Josh McErlean returns to FIA World Rally Championship action this week [25-28 June], as the Irishman tackles the legendary Acropolis Rally Greece.
Fresh from taking second overall and fulfilling a lifelong ambition by competing on the Donegal International Rally, McErlean now switches his attention back to the demands of Rally1 competition and one of the most unforgiving events on the WRC calendar.
Acropolis Rally Greece represents a complete contrast to both the smooth asphalt roads of Rally Japan and the fast-paced spectacle of Donegal. Renowned as one of the roughest rallies in world motorsport, the event places enormous strain on drivers, co-drivers and machinery alike as crews battle soaring temperatures, jagged rocks and punishing gravel roads. Based around Loutraki for the first time, this year’s event features a largely refreshed route, combining brand-new challenges with some of the rally’s most iconic tests. Temperatures are expected to climb well beyond 40°C across the weekend, creating a relentless examination of endurance and mechanical reliability. Alongside co-driver Eoin Treacy, McErlean is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Ford Puma Rally1 and tackling a rally which rewards patience, consistency and smart decision-making.
“Donegal was an incredible experience and one that I’ll remember for a very long time,” said McErlean. “But now it’s time to switch our attention fully back to the WRC and there aren’t many bigger challenges than Acropolis Rally Greece.”
The event proved to be a frustrating one for McErlean last season. Despite showing encouraging pace throughout the rally, a series of punctures and suspension damage prevented the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver from achieving the result his performance deserved. Having gained valuable experience of the unique conditions twelve months ago, the Irishman believes a measured approach will be key to delivering a strong result this time around.
“Acropolis is one of those rallies where you have to respect the event,” he explained. “The roads are incredibly rough, and it’s very easy to get caught out. Last year we had several punctures and some suspension damage which ultimately cost us a lot of time, so the biggest objective this year is to stay out of trouble. The speed is there, but rallies like this are often about survival. If you can avoid problems, look after the car and stay consistent across the weekend, there is every opportunity to come away with a strong result. It’s a rally that really challenges every aspect of what we do,” said McErlean. “You have the heat, the rough roads, tyre management, road position and mechanical reliability all coming into play. There are very few places where both the driver and the car get tested as much as they do in Greece”.
Following a hard-fought point-scoring finish at Rally Japan, McErlean arrives in Greece determined to continue building momentum as the championship enters a decisive run of gravel events.
“Japan wasn’t the easiest weekend for us, but we kept pushing, stayed focused and managed to come away with a point. Sometimes that’s what championship campaigns are about,” he said. “We learned a lot there, and we’ll take those lessons into Greece. The aim is to put together a clean rally, maximise every opportunity and bring home some valuable points for the team. It’s going to be a tough weekend for everyone, but we’re ready for the challenge and looking forward to getting started.”
McErlean is backed by Woodland NI, Admore Air Conditioning, M.P Burke Transport, SDC Trailers, EC Framing, Tulach Properties, Carbon Fusion, Fastener Connections and McCormack Contracting Inc.