Fourmaux switched to the Korean manufacturer’s ranks this season from M-Sport Ford, where he broke through to the top level of the sport last year. The season began with a fine third place in the legendary Rally Monte Carlo, but difficulties soon followed.
In Sweden in February, Fourmaux had a chaotic event and collected just one championship point. In Kenya, he finished 16th overall, and in the Canary Islands, he was fifth. However, in the brand-new Rally Islas Canarias, Fourmaux was the top Hyundai driver, which provided some consolation in an otherwise lacklustre event for the entire team.
The World Rally Championship continues this week in Portugal. Fourmaux is hoping for a proper step-up from both himself and the whole team.
“We didn’t get the best results at the end of the last round, so as a team we need to stop the domination of Toyota and get a really good result with all three cars,” Fourmaux said.
I want to be back on the podium to help with the charge, this is crucial for the rest of the season.”
Last season, Fourmaux came close to a podium in Portugal, finishing fourth. The French ace emphasises the importance of patience. The performance of the new Hankook tyres in the hot gravel rally remains an unknown factor.
“Rally de Portugal is a big challenge, the heat is demanding so managing tyres is a big task. There are some places where it’s full attack, but at the same time we have to be careful with the tyres – it’s a factor we need to determine during our testing,” Fourmaux told.
“There are places on the rally where we need to be cautious, but you can still establish big gaps so it can be a sprint at times.”
A total of 24 special stages will be run in Portugal, covering nearly 345 kilometres. The rally kicks off on Thursday morning with the shakedown stage.
