ACROPOLIS WAS HARD BUT JOSH ON FOR ESTONIA

MOTORSPORT Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean continues his debut season in the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1, as the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) heads to the fast-flowing roads of Rally Estonia next weekend.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

McErlean described the last round’s Acropolis Rally as one of the toughest events he has ever completed.

Multiple punctures, suspension damage, and running with just front-wheel drive for a time, tested his resilience in searing heat.

Despite the setbacks, the Co Derry driver battled to 12th overall and was M-Sport's highest placed finisher.

“(The) Acropolis was one of the toughest tests I've faced, physically and mentally,” said McErlean.

“But it showed us where we can improve and what we're capable of overcoming.

“Now it's about taking those learnings and applying them to a much faster rally like Estonia.”