Fourmaux had already shown strong pace in Paraguay and was in contention for a podium place just before the Power Stage – until everything slipped away on the final stage of the rally. Due to the rain, Fourmaux dropped to fourth, and shortly afterwards Hyundai decided to retire the Frenchman.
In Chile, Fourmaux fought hungrily and was even leading the rally after Friday. In the end, however, Toyota’s Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans pulled clear, leaving Fourmaux to settle for third place.
“It’s been a good weekend anyway. We pushed from the start, we were taking the lead, and I think we could manage the lead a little bit. But then suddenly, it was really, really quick on the wet. So I have a little regret. Actually, I’m still feeling quite a lot of confidence in myself and in everybody. We are fighting for the podium, so it’s really, really positive,” Fourmaux said with satisfaction.
Last season, Fourmaux claimed five podiums with M-Sport, and those promising performances earned him the opportunity at Hyundai. His season has been somewhat inconsistent, but results have improved as the championship has gone on.
“my championship is completely different to theirs. It’s been quite a long time since I started to get my car and my boost to my team-mates. So it’s different. Now I just try to do my best with everybody and let’s see what the rest of the season can bring. But I’m really pleased,” said Fourmaux.
Fourmaux, 30, has now stood on the podium eight times in his career in the top class of the World Rally Championship, but the Frenchman is still without a victory. That is the clear goal for the remainder of the season.
“We try, so let’s see what we can do. The future is really, really good. It can only push us to the top. We have a target, and it’s really, really nice. The level of the championship is fantastic, it’s really nice for everybody to follow. So let’s go for it,” Fourmaux declared determinedly.
