'This is a class rally' - McErlean eyeing progress in Portugal

The Irish crew of Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are in familiar territory this weekend. 

ON TRACK: The Irish crew of Kilrea's Josh McErlean and Killeagh's Eoin Treacy in action in their M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 during the shakedown ahead of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, round five of the World Rally Championship. Picture courtesy of M-Sport Ford.

The iconic Vodafone Rally de Portugal with the strongest WRC Rally1 entry in three years, is the latest challenge for the Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy as they continue their journey at the top tier of the World Rally Championship. With a second-place finish in the WRC category under his belt from last year, the 25-year-old Kilrea driver couldn't have imagined the trajectory of his career 12 months later. It's a similar situation for his Killeagh co-driver.

Neither are letting the emotions of their spectacular climb get in their way. “Our game plan, like any other event so far this season, is to progress as much as possible during the weekend." McErlean added, "The margins are tiny and there is zero room for error in Portugal. We need to think strategically and take it day by day. Our expectations remain realistic, we are still learning with every kilometre in the car."