M-Sport is banking on youth to complete the 2025 WRC field

The only one of the three WRC teams to have yet to confirm its crews for the 2025 season, M-Sport made the identity of its drivers official in the last 24 hours. The English structure, still partially supported by Ford, initially confirmed Grégoire Munster in one of its Puma Rally1s.

The Luxembourg driver, still associated with his co-driver Louis Louka, will compete next year in his second full campaign in the premier rally category, after finishing eighth in the championship in 2024. His best result to date remains a fifth place, obtained three times during the last campaign.

In addition to this stability, M-Sport had to renew its team since Adrien Fourmaux took over the management of Hyundai, with whom he also won his first victory last weekend at the Dévoluy National Winter Rally. Malcolm Wilson and his team principal Richard Millener have chosen to remain faithful to their tradition of giving young drivers a chance.

The second Ford Puma will therefore be entrusted to Irish driver Josh McErlean and his co-driver and compatriot Eoin Treacy. At 25, the former will continue to be supported by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, having been competing in WRC2 since 2022, a category in which he took ninth place this year.

“M-Sport has a reputation for providing opportunities for young rallying talents”underlines Richard Millener. “With the support of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, that is exactly what we are going to do for Josh and Eoin. 2025 will be a huge challenge for them, but also a unique chance to show the world that they have what what it takes to forge a career at the top of the sport.”

“We need to continue to invest in the WRC’s emerging talent, and I’m proud to be able to give them the chance to do so. The goals and expectations for the year will be very reasonable, but I know that the team and everyone Irish fans will support the duo.”

Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka are back for 2025.

Photo by: M-Sport

The 2025 season will open on the weekend of January 26 with the Monte-Carlo Rally, while the Rally1 field for the year is now complete, having notably recorded the full-time return of double world champion Kalle Rovanperä.