Historic All-Irish Line-Up: Jon Armstrong and Josh McErlean Set to Dominate WRC 2026!
In a thrilling development that has sent shockwaves through the rallying world, Jon Armstrong and his co-driver Shane Byrne have been officially unveiled as the newest additions to the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team for the highly anticipated 2026 season. Joining forces with fellow Irishman Josh McErlean and his co-driver Eoin Treacy, this dynamic quartet promises to bring unprecedented excitement and competitiveness to the World Rally Championship!
Both Armstrong and McErlean are not just any drivers; they are the pride of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, a beacon of hope for aspiring rally stars. Armstrong, fresh off an impressive campaign where he clinched the ERC3 title in 2023, has been nothing short of sensational. With a stellar performance in the European Rally Championship, he secured his first podium finishes in Poland and the Czech Republic, and ultimately conquered the rally in Wales, followed by another victory in Croatia. This trajectory has set the stage for an explosive rise in the WRC!
M-Sport Ford’s team principal, Richard Millener, could barely contain his excitement. “It’s very exciting to see Jon and Shane get the opportunity to make the step-up to Rally1 machinery with us. I’m genuinely eager to see how they progress throughout 2026. Jon’s been working towards this opportunity for a long time now, and his strong ERC performances at the end of last season made it impossible to ignore him.” This statement underscores the high expectations placed on Armstrong, who has faced his share of challenges but has emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
McErlean, who is entering his second year in WRC’s top tier, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be confirmed with M-Sport for the 2026 WRC season. The support from both the team and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy has been invaluable. We made real progress throughout 2025, and I’m excited to put everything we learned into action next year.”
For Jon Armstrong, this moment is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “I’m obviously very grateful for the opportunity to drive a Rally1 car,” he shared, reflecting on his relentless pursuit of top-tier rallying. “It’s something I’ve worked towards from a very young age, so to actually be able to compete at this level is definitely a dream come true.” His journey has not been without its hurdles, but his resilience and talent have carved a path to greatness in the WRC arena.
Armstrong continued, “Of course, there have been years where things didn’t go our way, and we weren’t sure if it would ever happen. But we’ve had a very strong season in ERC, showed our potential, and naturally you then want to see what you can do in the World Rally Championship.” His gratitude towards M-Sport and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy is palpable, as he acknowledges their pivotal role in his journey.
As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, anticipation is building. Armstrong and McErlean are not just teammates; they are trailblazers for Irish motorsport, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with tenacity and skill. “There are going to be a lot of good times and definitely some challenges,” Armstrong remarked, “but I think we’ve shown that we can rise to those challenges, so we just need to stay strong, enjoy it, and keep pushing forward.”
With more announcements on M-Sport’s lineup expected soon, the excitement is palpable. Will they bring in Martins Sesks? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the stage is set for a monumental year in rallying, and the world will be watching as these Irish titans take the wheel! Buckle up, because the WRC 2026 season is gearing up to be one for the history books!
