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M-Sport Bets Big on Rally Rookies for 2026
10 Jan
Summary
- M-Sport backs Irish duo Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong for 2026.
- Both drivers are the least experienced in the top-tier WRC line-up.
- Team principal predicts an exciting year, aiming to challenge rivals.
M-Sport is once again championing emerging talent by selecting Irish duo Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong for its 2026 World Rally Championship lineup. This strategic move prioritizes developing young drivers over seasoned experience, a philosophy that has previously yielded stars like Ott Tanak and Elfyn Evans. The team aims to prove that their less experienced pairing can contend with the WRC elite.
Team principal Richard Millener expressed confidence in McErlean and Armstrong, predicting an "exciting year" and a desire to challenge factory teams like Hyundai on select events. He highlighted past performances from drivers like Martins Sesks and Jon Armstrong himself, suggesting the new duo possesses the capability to compete at the highest level. This approach is a logical choice for M-Sport, a privateer operation competing against well-resourced factory efforts.
McErlean, entering his second Rally1 season, showed significant progress in 2025 with seven top-10 finishes. Armstrong, a Rally2 and Junior WRC runner-up, brings considerable experience from junior ranks and recent strong performances in the European Rally Championship. Both drivers will have a pre-season test in France to prepare for the season opener in Monte Carlo.
