Fourmaux mastered the challenging conditions of Rally Monte-Carlo with remarkable skill, securing his first podium finish for the Korean team. The Frenchman finished third in Monte-Carlo.
Additionally, Fourmaux was the fourth-fastest driver on Sunday, earning two championship points. On the Power Stage, he finished third, adding another three points to his tally. In total, he accumulated 20 points for the weekend.
“That’s a really great start with Hyundai,” Fourmaux said after the rally.
“It’s really positive to be on the podium in Monte Carlo. It’s always something special, so I’m really pleased with that,” he added.
The Power Stage, which concluded the rally, was particularly challenging this year. The initial section of the stage featured dry roads, but as the route climbed towards Col de Turini, the surface became snowy and icy. Tyre selection was crucial.
“We could have got a little bit more if the snow had melted a bit more, but unfortunately, it didn’t. So, I didn’t take the risk,” Fourmaux said, reflecting on the final stage.
“It’s a shame, but, you know, it’s part of the game. It was a gamble at the beginning of the day, but no regrets. It was a really positive weekend for us,” he concluded.
Positive indeed. In his first event with his new team, Fourmaux emerged as Hyundai’s top driver, outperforming two world champions in the process. Reigning champion Thierry Neuville made two errors at the same corner on Friday, while Ott Tänak only occasionally found his top form. Fourmaux, on the other hand, avoided mistakes and delivered a steady, reliable performance.
“It’s been a good start. But we’ll see. You know, there are two world champions in the team, so I’ll keep my head on my shoulders,” Fourmaux reminded.
Even Fourmaux himself was somewhat surprised by his performance.
“I felt we could have the pace. But when you’re in Monte Carlo, you know, at the start, you never know where you’ll be. So many things can happen: a puncture, a mechanical issue, mistakes, or being wrong with the tyres all weekend,” Fourmaux reflected.
“And to be fair, we did make one mistake with the tyres. It was on Thursday night when we went with crossed tyres in the snow, where we lost 24 seconds to the fastest. But apart from that, it was quite okay,” Fourmaux admitted.
