After five transformative seasons with the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, the sensationally talented Adrien Fourmaux and co-driver Alexandre Coria are set to embark on a new chapter in their careers in 2025 with Hyundai Motorsport. Fourmaux’s departure from M-Sport marks the end of an extraordinary journey that saw the Frenchman rise through the ranks of rallying, from grassroots competitions and national championships to becoming a podium-finishing contender in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
From R2T to Rally1: A ladder of opportunity
Fourmaux’s career with M-Sport began in 2017, competing in a Ford Fiesta R2T. His rapid rise through the rallying hierarchy reflects M-Sport’s renowned ‘ladder of success,’ which provides aspiring drivers with the tools and opportunities to progress to the sport’s highest levels. In 2018, he claimed the French Junior Championship title, a result that brought him to M-Sport’s attention and secured him a seat in a Fiesta R5 for the WRC2 category in 2019.
During his WRC debut at Rally Monte-Carlo, Fourmaux showcased his raw talent by securing second place in the WRC2 category. He followed this with another podium at Wales Rally GB, signaling his potential as a future star.
By 2020, Fourmaux was entrusted with the new Ford Fiesta Rally2, continuing his upward trajectory with a series of strong performances, including second-place finishes at Monte-Carlo, Estonia, and Turkey, and his maiden victory at the Rally Islas Canarias in the European Rally Championship.
The leap to Rally1
In 2021, Fourmaux’s consistent results earned him a shot in the Ford Fiesta WRC, M-Sport’s Rally1 challenger. He made an immediate impact, finishing fifth at Croatia Rally and securing his first stage win at Safari Rally Kenya. His growth as a driver was evident, and by 2022, he was competing full-time in Rally1.
Although the 2022 season had its challenges, it played a pivotal role in Fourmaux’s development, teaching him the resilience required to compete at rallying’s highest level. A step back to the Fiesta Rally2 in 2023 allowed him to rebuild confidence and refine his craft. Dominating the British Rally Championship with five wins and the overall title, Fourmaux proved he was ready to return to the Rally1 stage.
2024: A breakthrough year
Fourmaux’s 2024 season was a testament to his determination and growth. Opening the year with a fifth-place finish at Monte-Carlo, he went on to secure his first overall WRC podium at Rally Sweden and followed it with a series of impressive podiums on every surface, including Safari Rally Kenya, Finland, Poland, and Japan. With 11 stage wins and consistent performances, he cemented his status as a top-tier contender.
M-Sport’s role in Fourmaux’s journey
M-Sport’s ladder of success has long been a cornerstone of the team’s philosophy, nurturing talent like Fourmaux through structured opportunities and world-class machinery. Malcolm Wilson, M-Sport UK Chairman, reflected on Fourmaux’s journey: “I’ve been incredibly impressed with Adrien’s performances this year. His grit and determination, even in the face of challenges, have been remarkable. He leaves M-Sport as a true professional, and I’m confident he has a bright future ahead.”
Richard Millener, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Principal, echoed those sentiments: “It has been a joy to witness Adrien’s growth over the years. His five podiums this season were particularly special for the team, and while we’ll miss him, we’re proud to have played a role in his development.”
Fourmaux’s farewell
As Fourmaux prepares for his next challenge, he remains grateful to M-Sport for shaping his career.
“I started at M-Sport as a young driver and leave with victories and podiums in every classification,” Fourmaux said. “This team has been my family, and I owe so much to Malcolm and everyone here. This isn’t goodbye; it’s a ‘see you next time.’”
A new chapter beckons
As Fourmaux departs M-Sport for Hyundai Motorsport in 2025, he carries with him the lessons, experiences, and memories from his time in Ford machinery. His journey is a shining example of how M-Sport’s ladder of success provides drivers with a platform to reach the pinnacle of rallying.
For Adrien Fourmaux, the road ahead is filled with promise, but his time at M-Sport will forever remain a defining chapter in his rallying story.