In a stunning shake-up that has set the rally world ablaze, French sensation Adrien Fourmaux is leaving M-Sport Ford to join Hyundai Motorsport for the 2025 World Rally Championship season. This high-octane transfer, anticipated for months but now officially confirmed, positions Fourmaux alongside rally titans Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak in an all-star lineup aimed at dominating the championship.
A New Era Begins
Fourmaux, along with his co-driver Alexandre Coria, will pilot the formidable Hyundai i20 N Rally1 for a full season assault. The dynamic duo is set to part ways with M-Sport after this weekend’s adrenaline-fueled Monza Rally, diving headfirst into their new journey with Hyundai immediately thereafter.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Hyundai Motorsport for the 2025 season,” Fourmaux exclaimed. “This is a monumental opportunity for Alex and me. We’re eager to hit the ground running and push our limits. As a driver, you’re always seeking growth and new challenges, and this move feels like the perfect step forward.”
Hyundai’s Masterstroke
Hyundai’s bold acquisition of Fourmaux underscores the manufacturer’s relentless pursuit of excellence. In a statement that sent ripples through the paddock, Hyundai declared that securing Fourmaux highlights their “commitment to building a stronger, more consistent permanent lineup to target the manufacturers’ championship” in 2025.
Cyril Abiteboul, Hyundai Motorsport’s president and team principal, pulled no punches in expressing his enthusiasm. “Our shared third car approach in 2024 allowed us to deliver one of the team’s strongest years in WRC,” he noted. “For the renewed challenges of next year, consistency and stability across all three cars will be crucial. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Adrien and Alexandre into the fold after their incredible 2024 season.”
Abiteboul didn’t shy away from acknowledging Fourmaux’s transformation. “Adrien has impressed not only with the results he’s achieved this season but with the renewed mindset and attitude he’s brought to his return to Rally1. We believe our lineup of Thierry, Ott, and Adrien will be a formidable force on the world’s stages in 2025.”
Uncertain Futures for Current Drivers
This blockbuster move raises questions about the futures of Hyundai’s current drivers Esapekka Lappi, Dani Sordo, and Andreas Mikkelsen. The team stated it is “continuing to assess further possibilities” for them, leaving fans and analysts speculating about potential shifts in the driver market.
M-Sport’s Farewell
As Fourmaux bids adieu to M-Sport Ford, the team that has been his home, the rally community watches with bated breath. His departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of an ambitious quest for glory with Hyundai.
The Road Ahead
With Fourmaux’s arrival, Hyundai is sending a clear message: they’re not just competing—they’re gunning for the top spot. This seismic shift promises to inject new excitement into the WRC as teams scramble to counter Hyundai’s powerhouse trio.
As the dust settles from this earth-shattering announcement, one thing is certain: the 2025 World Rally Championship season is gearing up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Brace yourselves, rally fans—the race for supremacy just got turbocharged!
