McErlean is a classic example of a “pay driver,” meaning he was not hired solely for his driving skills but brings financial backing to the team. Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy is financially supporting McErlean’s participation in next season’s WRC.
For many, M-Sport’s choice has been both surprising and disappointing. Many assumed that M-Sport would grant a full-season seat to Latvian driver Martins Sesks, who delivered promising performances in the main WRC class last season using M-Sport’s equipment.
Many argue that Sesks had earned his spot purely based on merit, whereas the 25-year-old McErlean’s credentials are comparatively modest. Over the past few years, McErlean has gained experience in the WRC2 category, initially driving for Hyundai and, more recently, for Škoda. While driving for Škoda, he achieved his career-best result to date, finishing second in the WRC2 class at this year’s Rally Portugal.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener, however, insists the team has made the right decision.
“It is going to be a huge challenge for Josh – we all know that – but if an opportunity like this arises, it would have been crazy for him not to have seized it for the simple reason it may never happen again,” Millener told the Belfast Telegraph.
Millener, who has closely worked with many top drivers during his career, including Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier, both of whom together hold 17 WRC titles, is confident about McErlean’s potential.
“I am confident we can help Josh progress over the course of the year,” Millener assured.
“There’s no expectations or pressure on him,” Millener emphasised.
The WRC has long faced concerns over how to bring new drivers into the championship. While M-Sport has now introduced a newcomer, this move has not pleased everyone – something that clearly frustrates Millener.
“The World Rally Championship keeps screaming out for opportunities for young talent and then when it is fulfilled, people like to moan about it – you cannot win,” Millener retorted.
“But M-Sport Ford is all about giving people opportunities and we are delighted to work with Josh,” the team boss continued.
McErlean will drive for M-Sport in all 14 rounds of next season’s WRC alongside his co-driver, Eoin Treacy. He will form M-Sport’s driver pairing with Gregoire Munster. The new WRC season kicks off in January, as per tradition, with Rallye Monte-Carlo.
