Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to compete in the Safari Rally Kenya, marking their third event of the 2025 WRC season. The rally introduces unique gravel terrain, which poses distinct challenges. Both drivers bring prior experience from the East African Safari Classic Rally. Fellow Motorsport Ireland driver Aaron Johnston is also participating, with notable past successes at this event. The competition begins with a shakedown on Wednesday, comprising 21 challenging stages.
Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to commence their third World Rally Championship (WRC) event of 2025 at the prestigious Safari Rally Kenya. Representing the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, they lead an M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 team, following strong performances in Monte-Carlo and Sweden. This rally introduces gravel terrain for the first time this season, presenting unique challenges that differ significantly from other gravel events on the WRC calendar.
The Safari Rally is famous for its demanding course, characterized by rugged terrain, treacherous fesh-fesh, and deceptive water splashes which test both cars and crews. Both McErlean and Treacy experienced the Safari’s challenges in late 2023 during the East African Safari Classic Rally, driving a Porsche 911 over the 1500-kilometre distance, which offered insights into the tricky equatorial conditions.
Commenting on the event’s distinctiveness, McErlean remarked, “I’ve said it about every rally so far this year, but this event is so unique, it’s hard to fully know what to expect.” His approach at his Rally1 debut in Monte-Carlo, which led to M-Sport’s first championship points, exemplified a balanced strategy. This was followed by impressive speed in Sweden, culminating in their first overall rally victory in Ireland’s National Rally Championship.
In addition, Aaron Johnston, also from Motorsport Ireland, is prepared for his fifth Safari Rally Kenya alongside Takamoto Katsuta, boasting two podium finishes at this event. Johnston enters this year’s rally with momentum, having secured a second-place finish in Sweden. The event begins with a shakedown on Wednesday and includes 21 challenging stages, testing the limits of competitors in one of the toughest challenges on the 2025 WRC calendar.
In conclusion, McErlean and Treacy are poised to face the challenges of the Safari Rally Kenya, highlighting their readiness after earlier successes in the season. The Safari Rally is anticipated to be a notably difficult event, with unique gravel terrain posing specific demands. The participation of other skilled drivers, such as Aaron Johnston, further amplifies the competitiveness of this significant rally on the WRC schedule.
Original Source: www.northernsound.ie
