McErlean switches to Skoda for 2024 WRC2 campaign
Josh McErlean will start his latest World Rally Championship campaign in a Toksport Skoda Fabia Rally2. The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver embarks on his third season in WRC2, beginning with May’s Rally Portugal.
The 24-year-old, who has driven a Hyundai i20 for the past three years, will be partnered by familiar co-driver James Fulton as they join reigning WRC2 champions Toksport WRT.
“I am super excited that not only will I be back in the WRC in 2024, but I`ll be joining Toksport in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2,” says McErlean.
“This has given me a new level of energy and fresh motivation, which in turn brings a wealth of optimism to both me and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy team.”
McErlean has been a regular face in WRC and the European Rally Championship since winning the Junior British Rally Championship and Billy Coleman Award in 2019. His results last year featured a runner-up WRC2 Challenger finish on Rally Portugal and fourth overall on ERC’s Rally Liepaja.
Now McErlean embarks on the new year with a new squad which has been the culmination of a huge amount of hard work behind the scenes over the winter to ensure he has the best possible opportunity to fight in the seven-round WRC2 series.
“The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy along with everyone around me have put in a lot of effort behind the scenes to put this program together.
“This is a huge step for us, and we have the right people and processes in place to maximise this opportunity. Having James [Fulton] alongside for the season means I can tap into his knowledge and experience which will be highly beneficial as we settle into our new surroundings.
“Toksport WRT and Skoda Motorsport have enjoyed one of the most successful collaborations in the WRC, winning the WRC2 Driver’s Championship for the last three years, which gives me great confidence that we can draw from their expertise.
“To be part of a team with three former Rally1 crews is also a real advantage; their combined experience taken together with that of the winning engineers and technicians within the team, will allow us to take the next step in terms of performance and consistency.”
McErlean has yet to compete in a non-Hyundai Rally2 car since breaking into the category at the end of 2019. It will always be a key part of his rallying story.
“It has been a remarkable journey with Hyundai over the years and I would like to thank Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing and PCRS Rallysport for their commitment and support over the past three seasons.
“We have had an incredible voyage of discovery and development together. Motorsport is a small world; I am sure our paths will cross again soon.
“I really want to enjoy this season and continue to learn and improve, as I have done over the last few years.
“We made strong progress in 2023 and I need to put that cumulative learning to work this year and look towards fighting at the front of the WRC2 category.
“With a substantial pre-season test programme to get to know the car and the team, we will be fully prepared both physically and mentally for the season kick-off at WRC Portugal.
“I am extremely excited indeed for the season ahead.”
Sekan Duru, Toksport WRT Team Principal:
“We are delighted to welcome Josh and James to the Toksport World Rally Team, where we believe, we can help to further develop the exceptional talent that Josh has already demonstrated in his career to date.”
John Coyne, Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy Patron:
“I am delighted that Josh’s progress over the last few years, with the support and guidance of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, has earned him this opportunity to join the proven winning team of Toksport WRT.
“This is an extremely strong platform on which to build for the future. I look forward to seeing him continue his upward trajectory as he further develops the skills, speed, and consistency necessary to achieve success in the ultra-competitive WRC2 championship.”
Photos courtesy of MI Rally Academy and Gavin Woods
