Fourmaux has had an outstanding season driving M-Sport’s Ford Puma Rally1 car. At the beginning of the year, there were not many expectations placed on the French driver, but he has become one of the season’s biggest surprises. Currently sitting fifth in the championship standings, Fourmaux has reached the podium an impressive four times.
The rumours surrounding Fourmaux have only gained more momentum. During last weekend’s Rally Chile, Fourmaux mentioned that he already knows where he’ll be driving next season. However, he didn’t reveal any further details.
“You will know soon,” Fourmaux said.
There are essentially two options: a contract extension with M-Sport Ford or a switch to Hyundai, a team with which Fourmaux has long been linked.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala revealed after Rally Chile that his team hasn’t had much discussion with the Frenchman, making it unlikely that Toyota is an option for Fourmaux.
Fourmaux himself has been joking about the situation on social media. Finnish route expert Antti Loponen asked his followers on X which team they believe Fourmaux will represent in 2025. Fourmaux chimed in with his own guess.
“I will replace (Antoine) Griezmann in French National Team,” Fourmaux quipped, referring to the French football star, who announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
Pace on point
During last weekend’s Rally Chile, Fourmaux clocked some fantastic stage times, but ultimately had to settle for fifth place. He suffered technical issues on the opening day, which he had to fix during a road section. Due to the repairs, he was late to a time control and received a one-minute penalty.
Without those issues, the Ford driver could have fought for top positions in South America.
“It’s just really a shame that the car let us down on Friday, and then we had to see a one minute penalty. But at the end, we are pleased with what we have done on this rally. And it’s a shame it was the last gravel event of the season. I wanted to do well,” Fourmaux reflected.
The season’s final two rounds will be contested on tarmac. Next up is the Central European Rally, taking place across Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria in just over two weeks.
“I won there last year in WRC2. But it’s going to be a different game with the Rally1. So we’re going to try our best. We have one day of test and also the Rallylegend which is not the best, but at least it’s some driving on tarmac before the Central European Rally.”
