The French driver impressed last year with a string of five podium finishes while driving for M-Sport Ford. This season, Fourmaux makes the switch to Hyundai, piloting the team’s third car alongside reigning world champion Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak in all 14 rounds of the championship.
Fourmaux had a busy off-season adapting to his new machine. He competed in a victorious run at the Devoluy winter rally in December and also completed a test in Finland. Most recently, he participated in additional tests in France last week as he gears up for the season opener in Monte Carlo.
“It (testing) has been really positive for us but the big test for us was the Devoluy rally and I think that was a really valuable experience with the (new Hankook) tyres and the car,” Fourmaux said to Motorsport.com.
This year, the WRC switches to Hankook tyres. Many drivers have noted that adjusting to the new tyres adds a fresh layer of challenge, especially early in the season. Fourmaux, however, feels he’s making good progress.
“Last Friday was nice too as we were lucky to get some frost in the morning and humidity before full rain in the afternoon, so we had mixed conditions and some snow, so I feel quite prepared. But for Monte Carlo you can never feel prepared. You would always like to try more (settings) as there are so many different conditions.”
The Frenchman also praised his new team for helping him quickly settle in.
“I really appreciate the team put me in a good position to get confidence in the car before Christmas, and also we did two days of testing in Finland with the new car on snow, so I have driven quite a lot in December with the car,” he said.
However, every new season presents fresh challenges, whether staying with a familiar team or switching to a new one.
“I think you always need a rally to feel comfortable. I remember last year and even though I knew the Puma there are always changes and you are searching a little bit. But after the test and the Devoluy rally, I feel quite comfortable, so I just hope we can do a good rally,” Fourmaux reflected.
A major shift this season is the removal of hybrid units, which reduces power but makes the cars lighter.
“We have lost a lot of weight so the handling of the car is easier and nicer to drive, but we have lost some power for sure, and drivers always want more power,” Fourmaux noted.
He acknowledged that dropping hybrids has its pros and cons.
“But the weight is a big thing, especially on gravel, it will be interesting. I like the new regulations but for me politically it would have been nice to keep the hybrid, but this is what the FIA and the promoter have decided,” Fourmaux concluded.
