Hyundai indicators Fourmaux to pilot third WRC 2025 entry

Adrien Fourmaux will be part of Hyundai to pilot its third entry on a full-time foundation within the World Rally Championship subsequent 12 months.

The five-time WRC podium finisher’s future has been the topic of hypothesis having been linked to a transfer from M-Sport-Ford to the Korean marque for a number of months.

Fourmaux and co-driver Alex Coria will kind a part of an skilled driver line-up that features newly-crowned world champion Thierry Neuville and 2019 world champion Ott Tanak.

It marks a change in technique for the third automobile from Hyundai after it narrowly misplaced the producers’ title to Toyota this 12 months. Historically the seat has been shared throughout a number of crews with Esapekka Lappi, Dani Sordo and Andreas Mikkelsen all contesting part-time programmes this 12 months. The futures of the trio are but to be confirmed, however Hyundai has refused to rule out drives ought to it increase to 4 vehicles throughout subsequent season.

Fourmaux has attracted fairly of consideration after a standout 2024 main the Ford squad, which he has been part of since 2020. This season he’s scored 45 extra factors than the entire factors gathered by Hyundai’s third automobile drivers.

M-Sport promoted the 29-year-old again to its Rally1 crew after spending 2023 competing in Rally2 equipment following an eventful first season piloting a Rally1 Ford Puma in 2022.

Fourmaux claimed a maiden WRC podium end in Sweden which he adopted up with third locations in Kenya, Poland, Finland and Japan on his solution to fifth within the championship.

The Frenchman’s transfer from M-Sport to Hyundai does nevertheless arrive with uncertainty hanging over the Korean marque’s future within the WRC past 2025, following an announcement that it’s going to transfer into the World Endurance Championship beneath its Genesis model in 2026.

“I’m actually excited to affix Hyundai Motorsport for the 2025 season. It’s a giant alternative for me and Alex, and we’re wanting ahead to getting began with the crew,” stated Fourmaux, who is predicted to check an i20 N Rally1 automobile for the primary time subsequent week.

“As a driver, you’re at all times seeking to develop and push your self, and this appears like the proper step on the proper time. Hyundai has had a powerful presence in WRC for years, and I’m proud to be part of that for the longer term. I’m prepared to provide my greatest and see the place this journey takes us.”

Hyundai crew principal Cyril Abiteboul added: “Our shared third automobile method in 2024 allowed us to ship one of many crew’s strongest years in WRC and I want to sincerely thank Esapekka, Dani and Andreas for his or her large contribution to it.

“For the renewed challenges of subsequent 12 months, consistency and stability throughout all three vehicles shall be essential. We’re due to this fact delighted to substantiate Adrien and Alexandre as a part of our crew after their unbelievable 2024 season.

“Adrien has impressed not solely with the outcomes he has achieved this season, however along with his renewed mindset and angle he has dropped at his return to Rally1. We consider our line-up of Thierry, Ott and Adrien shall be a formidable power on the world’s levels in 2025.”

Adrien Fourmaux, Alexandre Coria, M-Sport Ford World Rally Staff Ford Puma Rally1

Picture by: McKlein / Motorsport Photos

What Fourmaux’s exit means for M-Sport

Fourmaux’s departure from M-Sport will power the Ford squad to make adjustments to its line-up for 2025.

The British operation is but to announce its plans for what is predicted to be a two automobile line-up for subsequent 12 months.

It’s understood Gregoire Munster is among the many crew’s choices to proceed in one in every of its Ford Puma Rally1 entries. Martins Sesks, who impressed the crew in three wildcard outings this 12 months, is on the crew’s shortlist, whereas WRC2 drivers Oliver Solberg and Nikolay Gryazin have been linked with the crew.

“Issues will develop into clear within the subsequent week or two,” stated M-Sport crew principal Ricard Millener at Rally Japan.

WRC 2025 driver line-ups

Toyota
Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen
Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin
Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston
Sami Pajari/Marko Salminen
Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Half-time)

Hyundai
Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe
Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja
Adrien Fourmaux/Alex Coria

M-Sport-Ford
TBC
TBC