Josh McErlean lies in 12th position after his World Rally Championship debut at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally, 2 minutes and 53.9 seconds off Hyundai's world champion Thierry Neuville.
The Derryman's career took a major step forward when he earned a spot on the M-Sport Ford World Rally Championship (WRC) team for 2025.
Along with fellow Irishman and co-driver Eoin Tracey, he took his first steps into life at this level today, navigating his Ford Puma Rally1 through the muddy tarmac roads of the French Alps.
"What an experience," McErlean posted on social media platform X.
"Everyone should experience what I've experienced today - from lining up on Casino Square to launching this beast (his car) into the darkness. Lots of excitement, lots of nerves. Hopefully we can build from here."
Neuville stole the limelight overall, finding the right strategy as Sebastien Ogier suffered a costly setback.
Eight-times world champion Ogier, driving for Toyota, initially dominated with the two fastest stage times before a mishap on the final stage from Avancon to Notre-Dame-du-Laus cost him more than 20 seconds and relegated him to third place.
"It was much dirtier than expected, full of muddy places where there was nothing when the gravel crew went through. There was ice in some places, so we had to slow down," Neuville said.
The Belgian took the lead on the third stage and finished 2.0 seconds ahead of Briton Elfyn Evans in a Toyota. Ogier, chasing a record 10th Monte Carlo victory, was 12.8 seconds behind.
"There was a lot of mud on the road and we hit a pole sideways. You're always lucky to get away with that," said Ogier.
Hyundai's Ott Tanak secured fourth place, followed by Adrien Fourmaux, Kalle Rovanpera and M-Sport Ford's Gregoire Munster.
Additional reporting: Reuters
