WRC
Solberg win adds extra motivation for Fourmaux in Sweden
Oliver Solberg’s Rallye Monte-Carlo victory has provided extra inspiration for Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux as he targets a maiden FIA World Rally Championship win at Rally Sweden next month.
Fourmaux emerged from a demanding season opener in Monte-Carlo as Hyundai’s strongest performer for the second year running.
Co-driven by Alexandre Coria, the Frenchman claimed the Korean manufacturer’s first two stage wins of the season on his way to fourth overall, shining particularly on Sunday as he finished third in the Super Sunday classification and fourth on the Wolf Power Stage to collect 17 points from a tricky weekend.
“It [Sunday] was positive. We have done two fastest times and I was very comfortable with the car, in pushing, which is good and we did some good tyre choices. The only frustration was losing the eight tenths against Seb in the last stage. I know I could have got that so that’s life,” said Fourmaux.
“We scored 17 points, which is just one less than Ogier, so that is quite positive.
“When we had something to fight for and we could go for it, we can be competitive. But it is true there were no cuts, no mud and just snow, flat road and tarmac and this is where the car is performing. It was working in Japan and working in Central Europe when it is flat and clean and as soon as it becomes bumpy or different grip levels then we are a lot more in trouble.”
Fourmaux ultimately finished 5min 59.3sec behind eventual winner Solberg, whose breakthrough Monte-Carlo triumph with Toyota has only sharpened the Frenchman’s hunger to stand on the top step of the podium when the championship moves to Sweden.
Adrien Fourmaux seen during the Rallye Monte-Carlo recce
© Red Bull Content Pool
Fourmaux has already shown his credentials on snow, claiming his maiden outright WRC podium at Rally Sweden in 2024 while driving for M-Sport Ford. In only his second Rally1 start with Hyundai last season, he was locked in a four-way battle for victory before a mistake ended his challenge.
“It was very good to see Oliver fighting and at least he showed in the same car the [Elfyn and Seb] are not unbeatable so that is quite good,” said Fourmaux.
“I wish it had been me [as the fresh face winning], but let’s see on the next event.
“I was quick there before [in Sweden], I like Sweden, so Oliver won in Monte-Carlo so I need to win in Sweden,” he smiled.
