Fri 20 Oct 2023

Fourmaux to replace Loubet at Japan WRC finale

M-Sport Ford has confirmed Adrien Fourmaux’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship’s top-flight, with the Frenchman set to replace Pierre-Louis Loubet at FORUM8 Rally Japan next month.

Fourmaux piloted a Ford Puma Rally1 on several rounds last season but has focused his efforts on WRC2 competition in 2023, steering a Fiesta Rally2 to several stage victories plus a podium at Secto Rally Finland. The 28-year-old has, in addition, clinched this year’s British Rally Championship title.

A statement published by M-Sport on social media channels today (Friday 20 October) confirmed that Fourmaux will replace Loubet in a Puma at the season-ending FORUM8 Rally Japan, which takes place from 20 – 23 November.

It said: “After clinching the 2023 British title and helping to drive Fiesta Rally2 development, we will be rewarding Adrien Fourmaux with an entry to Rally Japan in a Puma Hybrid Rally1.

"Adrien and Alex should be well suited to the tight, technical tarmac roads that the event has to offer and we look forward to seeing how they can perform back in Rally1 machinery.

"The French pairing will substitute for Pierre Louis-Loubet. Following Rally Greece a joint decision was made between Pierre and the team that Rally Central Europe would be his last event for the season. This extended break will allow Pierre to concentrate fully on getting everything needed in place to ensure that he lines up in Monte Carlo for the start of the 2024 season.”

Loubet, who hails from Corsica, starts next week's Central European Rally alongside new co-driver Benjamin Veillas.