The Frenchman has endured a rocky start to the season with three rallies and three non-finishes.
Although his Sweden DNF was the result of a mechanical fault, the other retirements in Monte-Carlo and Croatia were both caused by heavy crashes.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener explained that, in spite of his recent form, Fourmaux remains a key part of the team’s line-up in Matosinhos.
“We believe in him and I think it would be detrimental to his development if we were to take him out of the car,” Millener explained.
“Look back in history: M-Sport has always been at the forefront of developing young drivers and what Adrien’s going through this season is part and parcel of that process. That doesn’t make it any easier for the team when we see a crashed car coming back and the guys have to put a whole load more work in.
“Adrien understands that and he understands the pain the team goes through when it happens. And right now, it’s that bit more painful when everything is stretched. Like I said, he knows that, he knows the situation.
“This week we put that behind us and focus on Portugal,” he added.
Fourmaux’s gravel debut in the sport’s top-flight came in Portugal last season. He brought M-Sport’s Fiesta World Rally Car home in sixth and holds high hopes for this year’s fixture.
“I had a good feeling with the World Rally Car last year, so I am looking forward to getting out in the Puma and see how it goes,” said the 27-year-old. “Portugal is a really nice event, the spectators are great and it’s a fantastic atmosphere.
“We are looking forward to all the gravel events coming up. There are quite a few ahead of us now, so we’re really excited to get going in Portugal and hoping for a good result for the team.”
- Full coverage from Vodafone Rally de Portugal will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.
Finland
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