The episode takes viewers to the Central European Rally and Rally Japan, the final two rounds of the 2024 WRC season.
Adrien Fourmaux faced a difficult start to the Central European Rally, and the episode vividly captures the Frenchman’s total frustration with the situation. Early in the rally, Fourmaux came down too hard from a jump, damaging his car.
The issues, however, were multifaceted, and finding pace seemed impossible.
“I can’t do much more. We’re at the beginning, a bit slower, but we don’t have hybrid, etc, so that makes sense,” Fourmaux explained to the team after the first day.
The lack of pace made Fourmaux question the tools provided to him and the condition of his car.
“Are we sure the engine is in good shape?” Fourmaux asked the team sharply, receiving a firm confirmation.
“I really feel that if I do more, I’m going to crash,” the Frenchman added, clearly concerned.
Fourmaux’s struggles persisted throughout the Central European Rally, and eventually, he was advised to retire.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener was not convinced that the car was solely to blame for Fourmaux’s performance issues.
“Motorsport is born around excuses, and the easiest one is the car. So, it’s part of the game,” Millener said bluntly to the cameras.
“Sometimes it is a problem, and then you have to take it, but a lot of times, there isn’t,” Millener added.
Despite the difficulties in Central Europe, Fourmaux and M-Sport had a successful season overall, with the Frenchman securing five podium finishes. However, the events in Central Europe may have tipped the scales in Fourmaux’s mind, leading to his decision to move to Hyundai for the upcoming season.
Hyundai announced after the season that Fourmaux will drive the team’s third car in 2025.
You can watch the latest episode of More than Machine below:
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