Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean is set to extend his WRC2 season by entering the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the FORUM8 Rally Japan this November 21-24.
The Toksport World Rally Team Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver along with co-driver James Fulton will head for the season finale fresh from fifth place in the WRC2 category at the recent Central European Rally (CER), and their additional outing comes courtesy of their strong performance on that gruelling sealed surface event.
Thanks to the support of several key stakeholders, the 25-year-old ace will now contest his first event in Asia, having previously competed in Europe, Africa and the USA, joining the WRC tour as it rounds out its season in the Aichi and Gifu regions of Japan.
“This is an amazing bonus opportunity for us,” remarked McErlean.
“We knew before the start of the Central European Rally that we had a target to achieve and if we hit that, we had a chance of going to Japan. The event went well for us, we were patient in the tricky conditions, building strong pace as the weekend progressed.
“The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, Toksport, Škoda Motorsport and the WRC Promoter have come together to support us on this additional event in Japan, which provides a superb opportunity to gain more tarmac experience. All on an event which has just extended its WRC contract for another three years and we are very grateful for that continued trust and support.”
Results this season include a career-best second in WRC2 at Rally Portugal with McErlean focusing on gravel events for much of the year. CER marked a shift onto the asphalt for the first time at WRC level in almost 12 months but he bedded in perfectly, setting a string of top three times throughout the weekend.
Now, his asphalt experience continues, albeit in a new territory.
“Japan is going to be very different for us, not only the stages but the country itself,” he says.
“I have been working hard researching what I can but I`ll also call on the experiences of James [Fulton] and Toksport who have both been there before. I need to adapt quickly and learn as much from these guys as quickly as possible as we make the huge trip to the other side of the world.”
The rally is known for its enthusiastic fans and a rich variety of roads which will test some of the best drivers in the world and McErlean is eager to sample the highly regarded event, further enhancing his experience of the WRC calendar.
“It’s going to be amazing” he continues.
“It will be my first WRC event outside Europe and my first visit to Asia. Visiting Tokyo has always been on my bucket list, but never did I think I would be going to compete there on the World Rally Championship. I cannot thank everyone enough for this sensational opportunity. I am eager to learn as much as possible, gain valuable experience and achieve the best result I can for everyone involved.”
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