Seska's teammate Mackerlain uncertain about his WRC future
M-Sport Ford driver Josh Mackerlain, teammate to Martins Sesks, says he does not know which car or class he will race next season due to the upcoming WRC27 rule changes. His career path largely depends on decisions by his backers.
Irish rally driver Josh Mackerlain, who races for M-Sport Ford alongside teammate Martins Sesks, says his future in the World Rally Championship remains unclear. At present, he does not know either which car he will drive or which class he will compete in next season.
The 27-year-old made his step up to WRC's top class in 2025 with backing from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy. He explained that much of the uncertainty stems from the upcoming WRC27 regulation changes affecting the whole championship. According to Mackerlain, possible options include moving to a Rally2 car, while manufacturers like Toyota are already preparing their 2027 car, and Hyundai has yet to decide on its plans. He also mentioned WRC2 teams as another possible path.
Dependence on backers
Mackerlain's career continuation depends heavily on decisions made by his main backer, John Coyne, and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy. The driver said Coyne is currently in discussions with many people while weighing available options, and has reportedly also held talks with the WRC promoter to assess the championship's direction before deciding on further investment.
Progress this season
Despite not yet having a contract secured for next year, Mackerlain stressed his personal growth over the course of the season, saying he and his team have clearly raised their level compared to teammates since the start of the year. The season has not been free of mistakes, but results such as sixth place in Greece and seventh in Finland have boosted his confidence.
