Finally, he’s turning virtual to reality. Jon Armstrong has made a career out of making rally fans happy around the world. He’s the guy who fine-tuned DiRT and has made a best-seller out of EA SPORTS WRC. Now though, he’s even more than that.
Finally, he’s a factory M-Sport driver in the European Rally Championship. The 29-year-old will drive a Ford Fiesta Rally2 in this year’s ERC, starting with next month’s Rally Hungary.
The Northern Irishman, whose 2024 will be backed by Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, said: “It is a dream come true to have the opportunity to complete a full year behind the wheel of a Rally2 car.
“We’ve been working on this for numerous years and I’m very grateful to M-Sport for the opportunity, along with support from the MI Rally Academy, Seacon UK, C & M Motorsport Sales, and all of my close partners.
“It is brilliant to be working closely with Eoin [Treacy] and the MI Academy this year and I am really proud to be representing the rallying community at home. I am excited to collaborate with the other MI Academy members and to work towards our goals together.”
Throughout his career, Armstrong has competed in M-Sport cars and run at the front of the field in all the series he’s contested. He just missed out on the Junior WRC title in 2021, but then enjoyed ERC3 event wins aboard the Fiesta Rally3 in following seasons.
Latvia last year was among six ERC3 wins for Armstrong in two seasons
It’s that career progression aboard an M-Sport car which has pleased M-Sport UK chairman Malcolm Wilson.
“Jon’s achievements in 2023 exemplify the talent and potential we strive to support at M-Sport,” said Wilson. “Our philosophy has always centered on identifying and nurturing young drivers, providing them with the platform to excel at the highest levels of rallying.
“Jon’s progression so far and this new chapter with us for the 2024 ERC is a testament to our tradition of fostering talent and ambition in the sport.”
