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M-Sport World Rally Championship (WRC) driver Jon Armstrong will compete alongside a new co-driver in 2027 following the conclusion of his two-year partnership with Shane Byrne.
Armstrong confirmed the news on social media, announcing that he and Byrne reached a mutual agreement to part ways after their debut campaign in the sport's premier category.
The pair first joined forces in 2025 after Armstrong's former co-driver, Eoin Treacy, teamed up with Josh McErlean at M-Sport for his maiden Rally1 campaign.
Byrne initially partnered Armstrong in the European Rally Championship (ERC). Driving an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, the duo claimed victories at Rali Ceredigion in Wales and Rally Croatia, finishing the season as championship runners-up.
Their success paved the way for a step up to the World Rally Championship with a seat in M-Sport's top-tier Rally1 programme. Over the past campaign, the duo displayed impressive pace and secured multiple top-ten finishes.
"Now that the dust has settled on our WRC season and we've had time to reflect, Shane and I have decided that the time is right to move forward with different plans for the 2027 rally season," Armstrong said in an official statement. "While it was a tough decision, we both feel it gives us the opportunity to embrace new challenges."
"I'd like to thank Shane for all his hard work, dedication, and effort over the past two years. Our wins at Rali Ceredigion and Rally Croatia will always remain special memories, as will the incredible opportunity to step up to Rally1 in the WRC this season. We shared some great moments, and I wish him nothing but the best for the future."
Co-driver Shane Byrne also shared a statement regarding the split:
"As you may already know, Jon and I have made the mutual decision to go our separate ways and bring an end to our partnership to pursue the next steps in our careers. We had two fantastic seasons together — first in 2025 in the ERC, where we took two wins and finished as vice-champions, and then in 2026 behind the wheel of the Ford Puma Rally1 for M-Sport across all 13 rounds on the WRC calendar.
"It has been an incredible journey filled with memories and experience that I will always cherish. I wish Jon and his new co-driver every success moving forward. I'd also like to thank the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and the M-Sport team for the opportunity to develop my career over the past few years."
Both competitors are expected to announce their respective plans for the 2027 season at a later date.
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