The 2024 world champion Thierry Neuville was forced to interrupt his own test programme on Thursday after just an hour of driving, as the snowfall was so heavy. However, Neuville and Hyundai did receive permission from the FIA, the International Automobile Federation, to move their tests to the weekend.
Yesterday, on Friday, Hyundai was already seen in action, with French ace Adrien Fourmaux taking his turn in testing. The road surface during Fourmaux’s tests was very icy, and there was also slush in many places along the 3.5-kilometre test stage.
As far as Fourmaux is concerned, preparation will not be an issue for the season-opening classic, the Monte Carlo Rally. In December, Fourmaux competed in the Dévoluy Rally as a preparatory event, which was also very snowy in terms of conditions. In addition to that, Fourmaux also managed to make a brief visit to Finland for testing.
On the other hand, the Monte Carlo Rally has been very dry in recent years, so at worst Fourmaux’s extensive testing experience on snowy asphalt may prove to be of no use at all. The Monte Carlo Rally is scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time.
Watch a couple of videos from the French driver’s test session below.
Toyota’s WRC team has also continued its testing in the French Alps. After Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier, it was Takamoto Katsuta’s turn to test. The Japanese driver’s test stage was located at the Col de Faye mountain pass, around 40 kilometres south-west of Gap, the host town of the Monte Carlo Rally.
Conditions on Katsuta’s test stage were wintry, with plenty of snow along the roadside. The road itself appeared icy in many sections, with slush also present in places.
Watch Katsuta’s display behind the wheel of the GR Yaris Rally1 car below.
