Adrien Fourmaux, the French rally driver who finished fifth in this season's World Rally Championship (WRC) with M-Sport/Ford, has signed with Hyundai for the 2025 season. This announcement was made by the South Korean manufacturer on December 5, 2024.
This will mark Fourmaux's return to the top tier of rallying after competing in the WRC2 category in 2023. During the current season, he showcased a strong performance behind the wheel of his Ford Puma, achieving five podium finishes and securing nine top-five placements across 13 rallies.
Expressing his excitement, Fourmaux stated, "I am delighted to join Hyundai; it's a magnificent opportunity. As a driver, you always seek to progress and push your limits, and I believe this is the right choice at the right time." His goal will be to continue his development and contribute to Hyundai's bid for the Constructors' Championship, a title they narrowly lost to Toyota in the final race of the season in Japan.
Cyril Abiteboul, head of Hyundai's French team, emphasized the importance of consistency and stability for their three cars in the upcoming season. He noted that Fourmaux's impressive results and new mindset upon his return to the WRC were critical factors in their decision to sign him and his co-driver Alexandre Coria.
In 2025, only three manufacturers will compete in the WRC, with Toyota, led by two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä, expected to be Hyundai's main rival. Ford will also be aiming for podium finishes but is unlikely to contend for the title.