The 2025 Acropolis Rally proved once again to be one of the most punishing and unforgiving events on the calendar, with rough gravel roads around Lamia putting both drivers and cars to the test. Among the competitors were Irish crew Josh McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy, making their debut in the top class with M‑Sport Ford’s Puma Rally1. For them it was a true trial by fire: scorching heat, dust and a series of technical issues made every stage a fight for survival, but they managed to reach the finish line, taking 12th place overall and finishing as the top M‑Sport entry. It was a weekend packed with challenges – punctures, mechanical problems and even a handbrake failure – yet the young Irish pairing found the resilience to bring the car home and gain invaluable experience in what was always going to be a huge test. Victory went to Ott Tänak in the Hyundai, ahead of Sébastien Ogier and Adrien Fourmaux, but McErlean and Treacy’s performance stood out as a bright note for M‑Sport, which sees them as key prospects for the future. For the 25‑year‑old Northern Irishman, this Rally1 debut marks the culmination of a steady rise from junior championships to strong results in WRC2, while Treacy, also making his first appearance in the top category, showed composure and adaptability. Their pace over the final stages was encouraging and gives them confidence heading into the next rounds of the season. On such a demanding and legendary rally, simply reaching the finish line is an achievement in itself, and for M‑Sport the result in Lamia is a positive step forward in their development plan for 2025.
