WRC driver Josh McErlean has confirmed that he will compete in the Donegal International Rally next month.
The Derry man is one of Ireland’s best rally drivers and is competing in Rally Japan this weekend.
Greece is the next country up in the WRC but before that, McErlean will take on the Donegal roads from June 19-21.
He will drive an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally 2 alongside his co-driver Eoin Treacy.
McErlean confirmed the news on his social media today.
“We have got some exciting news to tell you.
“I’ve spent most of my life growing up watching Donegal and I can finally say I will compete there this year.
“It’s a massive privilege and a lifelong dream.
“I just want to say a big thanks to everyone who made it happen especially M-Sport and we really want to showcase the Fiesta Rally 2 in Irish tarmac. We want to see everyone there.”
McErlean’s entry will certainly add to the intrigue especially as Dungannon’s Kris Meeke has already confirmed that he will also take part.
The Launch night for the 2026 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally will take place on Friday, May 29 at 7pm in the Letterkenny Public Service Centre, Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny.
The 2026 rally is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the Irish motorsport calendar, boasting an outstanding field that combines the very best homologated machinery alongside the pinnacle of two-wheel-drive competition. Added to this are some of the strongest Historic and Junior entries seen in recent years, ensuring a spectacular weekend for competitors and fans alike.
This year’s route, designed to challenge the 200-plus crews expected to compete, has undergone a major revamp. Friday’s action will feature stages in the Gweedore–Falcarragh area using layouts never seen in the International Rally. Saturday combines the best of old and new, with a reworking of a classic route alongside the return of some fan-favourite stages. Sunday promises a dramatic finale with a revised modern stage before crews tackle two of Donegal’s most iconic tests.
Legendary stages such as Knockalla, Gartan, Fanad and Atlantic Drive once again feature on the itinerary, alongside exciting new additions that organisers believe are destined to become future classics.
For competitors, media and spectators alike, the rally offers the chance to witness some of the greatest drivers of this generation competing in world-class machinery across Donegal’s stunning landscapes.