M-Sport Ford team principal Richard Millener voiced his support for retaining Josh McErlean (pictured) and spoke well of newcomer Jon Armstrong from DonegalThe North’s Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong have both said that remaining with M-Sport Ford for the 2027 FIA World Rally Championship would be their number one preference. Although Team Principal Richard Millener is remaining tight-lipped, he has previously said retaining McErlean would be ideal, while speaking highly of 2026 newcomer, Armstrong. Following a drive to seventh place on Rally Finland, Kilrea driver McErlean said that such results would strengthen his negotiating hand but that other factors would come into play. Josh McErlean's M-Sport Ford car (Szabo Attila)“Obviously next year is a bit up in the air for everyone. Jon Armstrong (IRL), Shane Byrne (IRL) Of team M-SPORT FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM seen during the World Rally Championship in Jyvasküla, Finland on 30.07.2026 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202607300195 //McErlean’s new-for-2026 driving mate, Jon Armstrong, also faces an anxious wait to see if he will remain with M-Sport for next season, with much depending on the decisions that are taken by Coyne – a philanthropist who started the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.