'One of the best places to visit' - McErlean and Treacy big in Japan

Co-driver Treacy, for whom it is a debut event, has little time to admire the scenery as he will be busy calling the notes for the technical and demanding conditions.

EASTERN PROIMSE: The Irish crew of Kilrea's Josh McErlean and Killeagh's Eoin Treacy in the M-Sport Ford WRT Ford Puma Rally1 have three seventh place finishes in the World Rally Championship that continues this weekend with the penultimate round, the FORUM8 Rally Japan. Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool.

As they approach the final events of their maiden WRC Rally1 season, the Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy have a clear plan for this weekend’s Forum8 Rally Japan, the penultimate round of the World Rally Championship. McErlean can call on the experience of his Rally2 debut on this event a year ago and will be eager to put it to good effect.

“It’s great to be back in Japan,” he said. “I competed here in a Rally2 car last year so I know how tricky and also rewarding these stages can be. After a positive run in Central Europe, the aim is to keep that momentum going and end the event in a good place with M-Sport whilst improving our tarmac pace. I love Japan and its culture, plus the fans are incredible; it’s one of the best places to visit during the season.”