The Rally1 rookie proving he belongs in the WRC to...

M-Sport-Ford’s new signing Jon Armstrong feels his head turning tempo in Croatia final weekend has proved he belongs within the World Rally Championship’s high tier.

Firstly of the 12 months, the 2025 European Rally Championship runner-up outlined that one in every of his aims was to show he deserves a spot in rallying’s elite after M-Sport confirmed religion within the Northern Irishman to make the leap to Rally1 equipment.  

“It’s not my first time in WRC, however my first time on the highest stage,” stated Armstrong forward of January’s season opener in Monte Carlo. “It’s unusual to be rubbing shoulders with them however the principle factor is to attempt to show that I belong right here. We now have executed good rallies in ERC however I would like to point out what we are able to do at this stage.”

Armstrong has wasted little time proving he can struggle with rallying’s elite, turning heads in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Kenya.

But last weekend’s outing on Croatia’s asphalt outlined his true potential, posting high three stage instances in 10 assessments, usually mixing with and beating rivals from manufacturing unit groups Toyota and Hyundai, driving automobiles which have undergone far more growth than his Ford Puma.  

The 31-year-old and co-driver Shane Byrne got here agonisingly near claiming a primary stage win, lacking out by 0.1s to 2024 world champion Thierry Neuville in stage three.

Whereas an error within the following stage meant he missed the Friday afternoon loop, Armstrong confirmed what he’s able to by ending third within the Tremendous Sunday standings and on the Energy Stage to assert six worthwhile factors. Solely Toyota’s Oliver Solberg and Elfyn Evans had been faster than the M-Sport driver via Sunday’s phases.  

Having proved his pace, the 2017 WRC esports champion says his subsequent objective is to assert a high 5 end and believes the journey to the Canary Islands subsequent week might provide up a possibility to realize it.

“I believe this weekend has been excellent to reply that query [about proving that I belong here in the WRC,” Armstrong told Motorsport.com.

“But on the gravel rallies we still need to understand fully because Kenya is not really a full gravel rally. We will need to learn more on the loose surface to see where we are. I don’t think we will be so bad, but we need to work harder on that than tarmac. Even Sweden was nice, but I think we have shown what we can do and we belong here.

“For sure, it has been good to get close to the front runner’s pace. It is one of those rallies that has been tough but our pace has been good. I think over half of the stages we have been in the top three, which is quite good and quite close to the fastest time again. To get P3 on the Power stage and on Super Sunday is very strong for us, so I’m happy with that.

“I knew if I could do everything correctly it would be possible [to be strong in Croatia]. The massive factor is studying what the automobile is able to doing and particularly with the aero within the quick locations, however I’ve been beginning to perceive that.

“I believe we most likely ought to have gotten one [a stage win], however on the similar time it’s not going to vary the world if we get it however it is going to be good after we do. It’s extra essential to give attention to getting a high 5 consequence, and I believe within the Canary Islands it could possibly be attainable if we keep clear.”

The efficiency was properly acquired by M-Sport-Ford group principal Richard Milliner, who had set a lofty goal for his drivers to problem and beat the manufacturing unit Hyundai crews in rallies this 12 months.

“It’s been a very thrilling rally for us, and it’s incredible to see the tempo Jon and Shane have proven all through all the weekend,” stated Millener.

“To observe them preventing on the high of the stage timesheets towards way more skilled Rally1 crews and to come back away with third general within the Energy Stage and Tremendous Sunday factors, is an excellent achievement.”

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– The Motorsport.com Staff