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Josh McErlean to Drive 2027 M-Sport WRC Car at ERC Finale
Highlights
- Josh McErlean tests M-Sport’s 2027-spec WRC car in Portugal
- M-Sport upgrades Rally2 car with new FIA homologated parts
- Car sheds 10 kilograms and gains a 33mm turbo restrictor
- M-Sport aims to field three cars in 2027 WRC lineup
- Hyundai tests revised i20 N Rally2 but no upgrade plans
- ERC finale provides key data for M-Sport’s car development
Josh McErlean will sample M‑Sport’s 2027‑spec World Rally Championship upgrade at the European Rally Championship finale in northern Portugal this weekend.
Acting as the course car on the Six Cities North of Portugal stages, he continues development of the Ford Fiesta Rally2 kit that targets a 2027 WRC debut.
McErlean runs the ERC stages as the course car, delivering gravel data for M‑Sport.
The program aligns with the FIA upgrade kit pathway designed to elevate Rally2 pace toward Rally1 levels. It follows M‑Sport’s early commitment to the concept and its Fiesta upgrade kit direction, ahead of an evolving 2027 WRC calendar.
The updated package features FIA‑homologated front fenders, a revised front bumper, and a rear aerodynamic device. Weight drops by 10 kilograms, and the FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved a 33mm turbo restrictor.
The intent is to close the gap to next year’s WRC27 Rally1 machinery, with gains expected in aerodynamic efficiency, engine response within restrictor limits, and weight distribution.
Baseline work came on Spanish asphalt last week with Matthew Wilson and Romet Jurgenson sharing mileage. The shift to Portuguese gravel gives M‑Sport correlation across key surfaces.
The FIA has approved a 33mm turbo restrictor for the kit, a pivotal parameter for the car’s performance window.
McErlean, part of M‑Sport’s Rally1 program since 2025 in the Ford Puma Rally1, remains unconfirmed for 2027. The team plans a three‑car entry, including one upgraded Fiesta kit car.
M‑Sport targets a three‑car 2027 WRC entry, including one upgraded Fiesta kit alongside its established Rally1 effort.
M‑Sport is the first to embrace the FIA’s $7,500 upgrade kit, a cost‑controlled route to add aero performance and reduce the class split without escalating budgets.
Hyundai is running a revised i20 N Rally2 on Finnish gravel with Kris Meeke, Hayden Paddon, and Adrien Fourmaux contributing. It has not confirmed adopting the FIA kit or detailed its 2027 WRC lineup.
Portugal’s ERC finale provides high‑quality stage conditions and live‑running pressure. The data will shape homologation choices, reliability targets, and setup priorities as M‑Sport readies for 2027 regulations.
Visual Summary
2027
–10kg
M-Sport’s Upgraded
Ford Fiesta Rally2 Kit Car
blasts into Portugal for 2027 WRC test
Ford Fiesta Rally2 Kit Car
blasts into Portugal for 2027 WRC test
Rally2 🚗
Rally1 🏁
👨✈️
McErlean
ERC Portugal
McErlean
ERC Portugal
→
👷♂️
Wilson
Wilson
+
🧑🔧
Jurgenson
Jurgenson
FIA
33mm turbo, lighter, new aero
→ bridging Rally2 & Rally1
$7,500 upgrade kit aims to shake up WRC parity
Hyundai i20 N Rally2 testing in Finland (Meeke, Paddon, Fourmaux)
What you need to know:
- Josh McErlean tests upgraded Ford Fiesta Rally2 as course car at ERC Portugal finale
- M-Sport’s lighter, FIA-approved kit brings Rally2 cars closer to Rally1 specs for 2027
- Hyundai develops rival i20 N Rally2 but hasn’t confirmed WRC27 plans
- M-Sport targets 3-car 2027 WRC lineup using the new upgrade kit
Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.
