Eight Irish crews set for Rallye Monte-Carlo opener

Eight Irish crews set for Rallye Monte-Carlo opener

Eight Irish drivers and co-drivers will contest the opening round of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship when Rallye Monte-Carlo gets underway on January 22–25. The iconic season opener again attracts strong Irish interest across Rally1 and Rally2 machinery.

Josh McErlean & Eoin Treacy (M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1)
Josh McErlean begins his second Rally1 season with M-Sport, returning to the scene of his top-10 finish last year.
McErlean said: “It’s great to be back for a second year with M-Sport… Monte-Carlo is always an exciting way to kick off the season… We feel much more prepared than this time last year and our focus is on getting the season off to a solid start.”

Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne (M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1)

Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne make their Rally1 debut on the Monte with M-Sport.
Armstrong said: “I’m really looking forward to Rally Monte Carlo… There’s a lot to learn for us – Monte Carlo’s unique conditions, the changeable weather, and the tyre choices.”

Takamoto Katsuta & Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
Aaron Johnston again lines out at Rally1 level alongside Takamoto Katsuta, who is targeting an improved result.
Katsuta said: “It’s always special to be starting a new season in Monte Carlo… My target this year is to deliver more results and I’m ready to give my best.”

Yuki Yamamoto & James Fulton (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2)
James Fulton will co-drive Yuki Yamamoto in a full WRC season as part of Toyota’s Challenge Programme.
Yamamoto said: “I’m really excited to start this new season full of WRC events… I hope to learn more about this event and show the speed where I can.”

Eamonn Boland & Mick ‘MJ’ Morrissey (Rally2)
Eamonn Boland returns for his 21st Rallye Monte-Carlo start, with Mick Morrissey alongside him for the 16th time on the event, underlining one of Ireland’s longest Monte partnerships.

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