The 24-year-old will end his three-year association with Hyundai Motorsport as part of a lucrative deal brokered with the support of Motorsport Ireland and its Rally Academy.
This will begin at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal (9th to 12th May), where he will pilot the latest Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 in each of the seven points-earning rounds, starting alongside James Fulton. It means that.
The Nürburgring-based Toksport World Rally Team has enjoyed tremendous success in the main support series of the FIA World Rally Championship, winning the team’s trophy in 2020 and 2022, with Emil Lindholm’s Drivers’ Championship in 2022. He contributed to winning the title. Andreas Mikkelsen achieved a similar result in 2021. And in 2023.
“I am very excited to not only be returning to the World Rally Championship in 2024, but also to join the Toksport World Rally Team and drive the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2,” explained McErlean.
“This contract has given me new levels of energy and fresh motivation. It brought optimism.”
“The Academy, along with everyone around me, has worked hard behind the scenes to put this program together. This is a big step for us, but we have put in place the right tools to make the most of this opportunity. We have the people and processes in place.
“Having James by our side means we can draw on his knowledge and experience, which will be of great benefit as we settle into our new environment.”
Macarine will join former top class Rally 1 drivers Pierre-Louis Roubet, Gus Greensmith and Oliver Solberg, son of 2003 World Rally winner Petter, as part of the Toxport WRT set-up.
The former Billy Coleman Award winner and Junior British Rally Champion accepts the move is one of the biggest in his burgeoning career, but accepts the challenge. He claimed to be ready.
“Being part of a team that includes three former Rally1 crew members is also a huge advantage. Their experience, combined with that of the winning engineers and technicians within the team, will help us take the next step in terms of performance and consistency. “We can move forward,” McCarlene continued.
“I really want to enjoy this season and continue to learn and improve, as I have done in recent years. We must focus on fighting on the front lines.
“We have carried out an extensive pre-season test program to get to know the car and the team and to be fully prepared both physically and mentally for the season kick-off in Portugal. We are very excited about the season ahead. ” he added.