The 26-year-old French driver won the French gravel rally championship in 2022 in a Škoda Rally2 car. In 2024, Franceschi even fought for the European Rally Championship title, but ultimately lost out to New Zealander Hayden Paddon, who this year competes as a part-time Hyundai driver in the top class of the World Rally Championship.
Last year, Franceschi’s dream was to make a breakthrough in the WRC2 category. However, his campaign unravelled at the very start of his season-opening Canary Islands round, where the French hopeful went off the road on the second special stage and was not seen again in the WRC.
Franceschi contested a couple of national events in France later in the season. He has now confirmed that his rally career has come to an end.
He announced the decision in an emotional message published on social media.
“This sport has occupied a huge place in my life. It has shaped me as much as it has shaken me. It has taught me discipline, pushing beyond my limits and patience. It has given me rare, powerful and unforgettable moments. But it has also confronted me with very difficult periods, failures and disappointments, and at times with blows that hurt more than going off the road,” Franceschi began his lengthy statement.
“If today I have decided to step away from motorsport, it is not for lack of passion. The passion is still there. But life evolves, priorities change, and sometimes you have to listen to what you truly feel. I know how fortunate I have been to experience all of this. Nothing would have been possible without the people who believed in me, supported me and helped me, even when everything already seemed to be over.”
Franceschi expressed heartfelt thanks to his family, loved ones and other supporters who made his rally career possible. In closing, he promised that he will still be seen on special stages – but not seriously fighting for tenths of a second.
“I am not hanging up my helmet completely, however. There will surely still be a few weekends for pure enjoyment, just for the taste of a special stage and the smile at the finish. We will meet again, with pleasure.”
