McErlean’s thoughts on Rally Finland
Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean is back in action this week as he tackles Rally Finland in a top-level M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1.
McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy are continuing their debut season at Rally1 level. Finland is one of the toughest events on the calendar, with fast gravel stages and big jumps.
It will be McErlean’s fourth time competing at Rally Finland. Last year he finished seventh in WRC2. This time he’s aiming to build more experience in the top class and show progress on one of the sport’s hardest rallies.
“Rally Finland is an event I’ve really looked forward to since getting the Rally1 chance,” McErlean said. “It’s about pushing on, trusting the notes, and showing what we can do. Confidence and rhythm are key here.”
Renowned for its lightning-fast gravel roads, blind crests, and relentless rhythm, Rally Finland is often dubbed the ‘Grand Prix on gravel’. Precision, bravery, and trust in the co-driver are essential, with small margins making a big difference across the event’s 20 stages and 307 competitive kilometres.
This year’s edition features classic stages like Ouninpohja and Päijälä, paired with some new technical tests, ensuring a demanding weekend for drivers and teams alike. Weather conditions are expected to remain stable, with dry roads and warm temperatures forecast – ideal for high-speed gravel action, but placing extra emphasis on tyre wear and car set-up.
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