Encarnación, Paraguay – August 2025 – The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team is gearing up for uncharted territory as the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) heads to Paraguay for the very first time. Round ten of the season promises a stern test on the nation’s distinctive red-earth gravel roads, with M-Sport fielding two crews: Grégoire Munster / Louis Louka and Josh McErlean / Eoin Treacy.

Rally del Paraguay – A Step Into the Unknown

Based in Encarnación, close to the Argentinian border, Rally del Paraguay presents a mix of technical and fast stageswinding through dense vegetation. Drivers will face a punishing blend of soft, rutted surfaces, hidden bedrock, wide straights, narrow junctions, and tight corners. With no previous WRC onboards or reference data, adaptability will be the ultimate key to success.

Rain could add an extra layer of unpredictability, transforming the red gravel into a slippery challenge where braking stability, acceleration performance, and car set-up will be vital.

Confidence and Progress in the M-Sport Camp

Munster and Louka head into Paraguay on the back of consistent gravel form this season. Their pace and reliability provide a strong platform to push for a competitive result at this brand-new event.

For McErlean and Treacy, it’s a landmark moment: their first WRC appearance in South America. The Irish crew, supported by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, has been steadily learning with each round of their debut campaign and will focus on refining set-up and stage strategy as they target a strong finish.

Voices from the Team

Team Principal Richard Millener said:
“Paraguay represents an exciting new chapter for the championship and a true leveller for the teams. With no historical data, it comes down to how quickly crews can adapt and commit. Both Grégoire and Josh have shown strong progression this season, and this rally is a fantastic opportunity for them to take another step forward.”

Grégoire Munster added:
“I’m really looking forward to Paraguay. It’s a brand-new event, which is always an exciting challenge. The stages look slippery in parts, almost like Kenya, but overall faster and more straightforward. The mountain inclines will make it tricky, but it’s a great new addition to the calendar.”

Josh McErlean said:
“We’re heading in with a clean slate – everyone starts from the same place. The surface looks mostly clay with some fast straights, even with a bit of a Safari feel. It’ll be my first rally in South America, which is exciting. With Chile straight after, it’s a big few weeks, but we’ll take it step by step and enjoy the adventure.”

A Landmark Rally Ahead

With no previous WRC history in Paraguay, the stage is set for surprises. For M-Sport Ford, it’s a chance to draw on hard-earned gravel experience, embrace the unknown, and fight for a competitive result on South American soil.