Irish Drivers Gear Up for Challenge at Safari Rally Kenya 2025

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy will compete in the Safari Rally Kenya, their third event of 2025, representing the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy in M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 cars. The rally introduces unique gravel terrains, testing crews through difficult stages. Aaron Johnston, another Motorsport Ireland representative, also aims for success in this prestigious event after strong performances in previous rallies.

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to participate in their third World Rally Championship event of 2025 at the renowned Safari Rally Kenya. The duo from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy is leading a three-car effort with the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 following promising performances in Monte-Carlo and Sweden. This rally introduces challenging gravel terrain, differing significantly from the other gravel events on the WRC schedule.

The Safari Rally Kenya is notorious for its demanding conditions, testing both vehicles and teams through rugged landscapes, feared fesh-fesh, and tricky water splashes. Having completed the East African Safari Classic Rally in a Porsche 911 at the end of 2023, both McErlean and Treacy have gained valuable insights into the challenging nature of this equatorial rally.

Josh McErlean stated, “I have said it about every rally so far this year, but this event is so unique, it is hard to fully know what to expect.” He successfully navigated his Rally1 debut at the icy Rally Monte-Carlo, earning M-Sport’s first championship points. He then showcased impressive speed in Rally Sweden, culminating in his and Treacy’s overall victory in the opening round of Ireland’s National Rally Championship.

Aaron Johnston, another representative from Motorsport Ireland, will also embark on his fifth Safari Rally Kenya this weekend. As the Toyota co-driver, he possesses two podium finishes from previous Safari events with driver Takamoto Katsuta. Entering this year’s rally with momentum from a strong second-place finish at Rally Sweden, he aims for further success as they prepare for the 383-kilometre event, commencing with a shakedown on Wednesday and continuing with competitive stages on Thursday. The rally consists of 21 stages, showcasing one of the toughest challenges in the 2025 WRC calendar.

In summary, the Safari Rally Kenya presents unique challenges that test the skills of esteemed drivers like Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, as well as Aaron Johnston. With their recent experiences in previous rallies and the East African Safari Classic, they are well-prepared for the rigors of this event, which features a demanding course over 21 stages. The intensity and unpredictability of the terrain continue to make this rally a highly anticipated challenge in the WRC calendar.

Original Source: www.northernsound.ie