Adrien Fourmaux is wasting no time settling into his new chapter with Hyundai Motorsport. Just days after waving goodbye to M-Sport at the Monza Rally Show, Fourmaux will make his competitive debut in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 at the prestigious Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy in the French Alps.
The rally, scheduled for next week, serves as a high-stakes shakedown for Fourmaux as he transitions into Hyundai’s setup for the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC). Alongside co-driver Alexandre Coria, Fourmaux will tackle the event’s 10 stages spanning 86 miles, which often mirror sections of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, the WRC season opener.
A Perfect Warm-Up for 2025
The Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy is no ordinary regional event. It has gained a reputation as a proving ground for drivers gearing up for Monte Carlo, featuring icy, twisty mountain roads that demand precision and adaptability—perfect conditions for Fourmaux to get accustomed to his new machinery.
Fourmaux’s entry has generated considerable excitement, especially with Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä, the two-time world champion, also joining the lineup. Rovanperä’s presence ensures the rally will be a competitive benchmark as he prepares for his return to full-season competition in 2025.
Hyundai’s Rising Stars in Action
In addition to Fourmaux, Hyundai has a robust presence at the event. Grégoire Munster’s brother, Charles, will pilot a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 alongside co-driver Louis Louka. The brand is clearly using the rally as an opportunity to showcase its talent and test its machinery under competitive conditions.
Notably absent is Nikolay Gryazin, who has dominated the rally in recent years with three consecutive wins. His absence leaves the door wide open for a new victor to emerge.
Fourmaux’s Fresh Start
Fourmaux’s switch to Hyundai marks a significant turning point in his career. After a challenging period with M-Sport that included highs like podium finishes and lows such as being demoted to Rally2, he showed his resilience with a standout 2024 season. Five podium finishes and 11 stage wins cemented his reputation as a driver ready to take on Rally1 full-time again.
Now, with Hyundai backing him, Fourmaux has the tools to elevate his performance even further. Speaking about his transition, Fourmaux expressed his eagerness to dive into action:
“It’s a big opportunity for me and Alex. This is the first step in building our relationship with Hyundai and getting comfortable in the car. I can’t wait to get started.”
All Eyes on Dévoluy
With a stacked lineup featuring Fourmaux and Rovanperä, the Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy promises to deliver thrilling battles. For Fourmaux, this is more than just a warm-up—it’s a chance to make a statement as he begins his Hyundai journey and lays the groundwork for a promising 2025 WRC season.
The event will serve as a litmus test not only for his compatibility with the i20 N Rally1 but also for Hyundai’s hopes of reclaiming dominance in the WRC.
