The potential for Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster is enormous ahead of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship.
Both Fourmaux, 28, and his 25-year-old team-mate Munster have experience of the Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid and the team certainly has experience of the championship.
M-Sport has been competing with the Blue Oval at rallying’s highest level since 1997. There’s a lot of data behind those Dovenby Hall doors – and even more understanding of what’s needed to succeed at the highest level.
But what’s realistic? What should we expect from the two youngsters?
Frenchman Fourmaux is the one with more time aboard a Puma and he’s a guy capable of landing podiums this season. For Munster, the year is about learning more and taking as much experience as he possibly can. Being there or thereabouts always brings opportunity, however. As the year unfolds, if he’s hovering around position four, five or six, than can easily end in a top-three if misfortunes befalls those around him.
This will be a different year for M-Sport Ford. There’s no talismanic leader like there was last year with Ott Tänak and no WRC legend ready to win Monte, like there was the year before. But there is a pair of super-exciting youngsters who both have a great championship future ahead of them – and the potential to seriously rock some boats as the season unfolds.
Finland
Italy
Hungary