Jon Armstrong and co-driver Shane Byrne have split following the pair’s maiden season together in the World Rally Championship.
Armstrong – who drove for M-Sport Ford throughout 2026 – confirmed the separation on social media.
There is no news yet on who will replace Byrne for 2027.
Armstrong said: “With the dust now settled on the WRC season, and after taking some time to reflect on everything we’ve achieved together, Shane and I have agreed that the time is right for us both to move forward with different plans for the 2027 rally season.
“While it was a difficult decision, we both feel it presents an opportunity to explore new challenges going forward.
“I’d like to thank Shane for all his hard work, commitment and effort over the past two years. Taking victory at Rali Ceredigion and Rally Croatia together will always be particularly special memories, as will the incredible opportunity to step up to Rally1 in the WRC this season.
Armstrong's plans for 2027 are currently unknown
“We’ve shared some fantastic moments along the way, and I wish Shane all the very best for the future.”
In his own statement, Byrne added: “As you may have seen, Jon and I have mutually agreed to go our separate ways and bring our partnership to an end to better our futures going forward.
“We’ve both enjoyed two brilliant seasons together, 2025 in the ERC where we shared two outright wins, and second overall in the championship, then stepping up in 2026 into the M-Sport Ford WRT Puma Rally1, competing in all 13 rounds in the WRC.
“It’s been an amazing journey together, generating memories and experiences I will always cherish.
“I want to wish Jon and his new co-driver every success going forward. I’d also like to thank the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and M-Sport for the opportunity to develop my career over the last few years.”
Armstrong and Byrne were a team for two seasons
Armstrong and Byrne first teamed up in 2025 for Armstrong’s second European Rally Championship campaign for M-Sport in a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
Eoin Treacy had previously co-driven for him, but moved to partner Josh McErlean when he received a full Rally1 season with M-Sport and became Armstrong’s team-mate this season.
While the identity of Armstrong’s new co-driver is unknown, they are likely to be Irish as that’s what the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy – Armstrong’s key backer – favors.
Byrne had never competed in the WRC prior to 2026 but helped Armstrong to a stage win in Greece and a best finish of seventh on their final outing together in Sardinia.
