Motorsport: McErlean out to make most of 'South American adventure' in Paraguay debut

It will be a level playing field around the city of Encarnación. 

Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy (M-Sport Ford World Rally Team) will compete in this weekend's ueno Rally del Paraguay, the 10th round of the World Rally Championship. Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool.

The FIA World Rally Championship introduces its 38th nation to the series this weekend as ueno Rally del Paraguay makes its debut at the top echelon of world rallying. Given that it will be a level playing field for all the WR competitors on the unknown roads around the city of Encarnación - close to the Argentinian border - it's an event where drivers can illustrate their talent insofar as how quickly they can adapt.

For the Irish crew of Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy onboard the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1, this journey into the unknown on this their debut Rally1 season, could actually provide a barometer as to their progression. Declaring the obvious, the Kilrea driver provided a hint that he won't be overawed by the occasion. "Paraguay is a completely new event for all of us, so we’re heading in with a clean slate. That can be a positive because it means everyone starts from the same place.