
Josh McErlean Eyes Breakthrough Performance at Rally Finland
The 26-year-old aims to build on Estonia momentum in WRC’s legendary ‘Gravel Grand Prix’
When you think of the World Rally Championship’s most iconic stages, Rally Finland inevitably springs to mind. Its blisteringly quick gravel roads, knife-edge jumps, and deep, flowing forests make it one of the most anticipated events on the calendar—not just for fans, but for the drivers too. And for Josh McErlean, the young Northern Irishman making his debut WRC season with M-Sport, this weekend in Finland could be a defining moment.
Fresh off the back of a quietly impressive outing in Estonia, McErlean is targeting a meaningful step forward in the Rally1 Ford Puma. Speaking ahead of the event, the 26-year-old made no attempt to hide his excitement.
“Rally Finland is an event I’ve been looking forward to ever since we got the opportunity to compete at Rally1 level,” McErlean said. “It’s going to be a special feeling just to be part of it.”
But McErlean isn’t just here to admire the view. He wants to show that he belongs in rallying’s elite tier.
Steady Progress: Estonia Sets the Stage

World Rally Championship: Josh McErlean outlines the keys to success as he braces to tackle Rally Finland challenge
A couple of weeks ago in Estonia, McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy turned in a quietly solid performance. They finished ninth overall, an encouraging result in a rally often seen as a dress rehearsal for Finland due to its similar high-speed gravel terrain. More importantly, they stayed out of major trouble and showed real pace improvement as the event went on.
“Estonia gave us exactly what we needed,” McErlean explained. “A clean rally, strong pace progression, and something to build from.”
And build, they must. With the WRC calendar growing more competitive by the round, every opportunity to bank experience and confidence counts. For a rookie in Rally1 machinery, these incremental gains are gold dust.
“From Saturday onwards in Estonia, it was pretty tough running second on the road,” he added. “Hopefully we’ll be a bit further back in the running order in Finland, but now I know what to expect if we’re in that position again.”
That’s a level-headed response from a driver who clearly understands that his 2025 campaign is about more than just results—it’s about building a foundation for future success.
Rally Finland: The Ultimate Test of Rhythm and Confidence
Rally Finland, of course, is no ordinary test. Dubbed the “Gravel Grand Prix,” it’s a rally that demands maximum commitment from the moment the flag drops. Confidence in the car, trust in your pacenotes, and a fluid sense of rhythm are the ingredients for success. Even the smallest moment of hesitation can cost you dearly on the high-speed stages that cut through the Finnish forests like roller coasters on dirt.
“This weekend is about taking a step forward,” McErlean said, echoing that exact sentiment. “Trusting in ourselves, committing fully to the pacenotes, and starting to bring everything we’ve learned together.”
That idea—of bringing it all together—feels like the theme of McErlean’s Finnish adventure. The groundwork has been laid. The talent is evident. Now, the focus is on translating all those hours of testing, learning, and adjusting into a clean, confident performance on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“The key will be confidence and rhythm,” he added, “and I’m ready to enjoy every moment of the ride through the forests.”
A Learning Year, But With Purpose
It’s easy to forget that this is McErlean’s debut year in the WRC’s top class. The step up from Rally2 to Rally1 machinery is a steep one, and many drivers need a full season—or more—just to feel comfortable at the sport’s highest level. But McErlean seems to be accelerating that timeline.
Thanks to the support of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and his work ethic behind the scenes, the learning curve hasn’t looked too steep. That ninth-place finish in Estonia marked a real milestone. And now, Rally Finland offers an even bigger opportunity—not necessarily for points, but for validation.
“Now for me, it’s about fine-tuning, pushing where we can, and keeping that upward curve going,” he said.
It’s that kind of attitude—measured but optimistic—that has made McErlean one to watch this season. There’s no bravado in his approach, just a quiet confidence and a desire to keep progressing.
Looking Ahead to the Forests of Jyväskylä
The rally begins on Thursday, with the opening super special stage setting the tone before the event heads deep into the heart of central Finland’s forested gravel roads. By the time the 20th and final stage wraps up on Sunday, McErlean will have a much clearer sense of where he stands in the Rally1 pecking order.
And whether or not the results sheet reflects it, another clean run packed with pace, consistency, and learning would represent another major box ticked.
In many ways, this is exactly the kind of weekend that shapes a driver’s career. Not because of what’s said on Sunday night, but because of what’s learned along the way. For McErlean, Rally Finland is about more than just speed—it’s about stepping up, tuning in, and carving a path forward through some of rallying’s most hallowed ground.
One thing’s for sure: he’s ready for the ride.
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