Josh McErlean heads to WRC Rally Italia Sardegna hoping to finish his second FIA World Rally Championship Rally1 season on a high
Josh McErlean will close his second season at the highest level of the FIA World Rally Championship at Rally Italia Sardegna [1–4 October], now confirmed as the final round of the 2026 championship.
Following the removal of Rally Saudi Arabia from the calendar, Sardinia will also be the last competitive event for the current generation of Rally1 machinery before new regulations arrive in 2027.
For McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy, the weekend concludes their second full season with the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team and offers one last chance to demonstrate their progress in the Ford Puma Rally1.
McErlean arrives with renewed confidence after two points finishes in South America.
Sixth at Rally del Paraguay and seventh at Rally Chile rewarded the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy-backed driver after a demanding global campaign.
“I’m really looking forward to Sardinia, especially now that it has become the final rally of the season,” said McErlean. “It’s a very different challenge to the rallies we have just had in South America.”
“It’s a rally I really enjoy, and this will be my fifth time competing there. Hopefully we can put all the experience we have gained over the years to good use.”
“As the final round and the end of the Rally1 era, the weekend carries extra importance. There will be a lot going on, and I think it will be amazing for everyone involved in the championship.
“I will always appreciate the opportunity Ive been given to compete in this generation of Rally1 with M-Sport Ford WRT and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy. These cars are special and significant in WRC history, so we want to finish in the best way possible.”
Rally Sardinia returns to Alghero after last year’s Olbia-based event. Its new autumn slot adds complexity to the island’s narrow, rocky and often unpredictable stages.
McErlean knows the task ahead.
“It would be great to finish the season with another strong result,” he continued.
“The positive results in Paraguay and Chile have given us momentum, even though Chile was challenging.
“We know what we need to do. The rough stages will punish the tyres, and time can disappear quickly. We must be smart, keep the car intact and build pace through the weekend.
“Hopefully we can deliver a result that reflects our progress.
“It has been a massive year for me, the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and everyone at M-Sport Ford, with plenty to be proud of. Now we want to enjoy the final Rally1 event and give it everything.
“Let’s finish the season, and the Rally1 era, on a high.”
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.
