Mixed fortunes for Irish crews as McErlean hits fourth and Armstrong forced out

Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne claimed their first stage victory in the World Rally Championship but were forced to retire on the next stage

The Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1) are fourth overnight in the EKO Acropolis Rally, round eight of the World Rally Championship. Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool.

A day of contrasts for the Irish crews in the EKO Acropolis Rally, round eight of the World Rally Championship. From the high of taking their maiden stage (SS6) victory in a round of the World Rally Championship and holding third overall, Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne retired their Ford Puma on the very next stage. They will rejoin the event under Super Rally on Saturday. Meanwhile, their compatriots Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy, also in an M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1, are fourth overall, their highest ever overnight position in a leg of the WRC.

It was one of Hyundai's better days as they stopped the usual dominance of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team and after Friday's six stages Belgian Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) is 9.7s ahead of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 of French ace Sebastien Ogier with another French driver Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) 32.7s further behind in third and 27.7s ahead of McErlean/Treacy.