M-Sport commits to Fiesta Rally2 development

The Frenchman starts next month’s Malcolm Wilson Rally (11 March) in a car which has a development programme running through the coming season. M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson confirmed Fourmaux’s entry on the event which carries his name.

Wilson said: “We’ve got a lot of work coming with the car this year and this event is a good chance to continue that process of ongoing development. On top of that, it’s a good opportunity for Adrien to get more seat time on an event that’s obviously local to us.”

Fourmaux’s Jänner Rallye win in January demonstrated the pace of both car and driver, with M-Sport team principal Richard Millener feeling the dry conditions in Monte-Carlo didn’t help the Fiesta.

“When you look at [Jänner Rallye], we clearly have a car which is still both competitive and very capable,” said Millener. “I think Monte was a bit more to do with the set-up. Both Adrien and Grégoire [Munster] are giving good feedback and that will help us push the car forwards this year.

“It’s probably fair to say we didn’t do a huge amount of development [on the Fiesta Rally2] last year, but we’ve got a lot coming this season.”

Fourmaux will not compete at Rally Sweden this week (9 - 12 February). Munster will, albeit in a Ford Fiesta Rally3, leaving reigning Junior WRC champion Robert Virves to fly the M-Sport Ford flag in WRC2.