After an incredible five years with the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, Adrien Fourmaux and Alex Coria are set to embark on a new chapter in their careers in 2025. The French duo has made significant contributions to M-Sport, with Fourmaux’s career standing as a testament to growth, perseverance, and achievement in the world of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Fourmaux’s Rise to Prominence in WRC
Fourmaux’s journey in rallying began in 2017, when he entered the sport with limited experience but immense potential. By 2018, he had already claimed the French Junior title in a Ford Fiesta R2T, showcasing his natural talent. His rise continued when he joined M-Sport Ford in 2019, making an immediate impact with a second-place finish in the WRC2 category at Rally Monte-Carlo. His performance at Wales Rally GB that same year marked the beginning of his recognition as a rising star in the sport.
In 2020, Fourmaux continued to impress, securing podium finishes in Estonia and Turkey in the WRC2 category while also capturing his first major victory at the European Rally Championship’s Rally Islas Canarias. These accomplishments set the stage for his transition to the WRC’s top-tier competition in 2021.
The Transition to Full-Time Rally1 Driver
By 2022, Fourmaux had earned a full-time seat in the Rally1 category with M-Sport Ford. Although his season was challenging, it proved to be a turning point in his career, providing invaluable experience. Together with co-driver Alex Coria, Fourmaux demonstrated his resilience and determination, and the pairing developed into a strong force in the WRC.
In 2023, Fourmaux took a step back from Rally1 machinery to compete in the British Rally Championship, where he and Coria dominated, winning five rallies and claiming the overall championship titles. This period of reflection allowed Fourmaux to sharpen his skills and confidence, setting the stage for his return to the Rally1 category in 2024.
2024: A Breakthrough Season for Fourmaux
The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for Adrien Fourmaux, as he delivered impressive performances across various rallies. He kicked off the year with a fifth-place finish at Rally Monte-Carlo before securing his first-ever WRC podium at Rally Sweden. This success continued with podium finishes in Rally Safari Kenya, Poland, Finland, and Japan, highlighting his versatility on snow, gravel, and asphalt surfaces. With 11 stage wins and a consistent presence on the podium, Fourmaux proved himself as one of the brightest stars in the WRC.
Fourmaux’s career with M-Sport is a perfect example of the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent. From his early days as a mechanic to becoming a podium contender in the WRC, M-Sport played a crucial role in shaping his development. Malcolm Wilson, the M-Sport UK Chairman, praised Fourmaux’s resilience, stating, “Despite the challenges, he has shown grit and determination and has emerged stronger with each experience.” Wilson expressed confidence in Fourmaux’s future, noting that he and Coria were a dynamic pairing.
A Fond Farewell: Fourmaux’s Reflections on His M-Sport Journey
Adrien Fourmaux expressed his gratitude to M-Sport, saying, “I came to M-Sport as a young driver in 2018, and now, after victories and podiums in all categories, I’ve learned so much.” Reflecting on his growth, he thanked Malcolm Wilson and the entire M-Sport team for their unwavering support. Despite his departure, Fourmaux assured fans, “This is not a goodbye but a ‘see you next time.’”
As Adrien Fourmaux and Alex Coria prepare to move on to new opportunities in 2025, M-Sport extends its best wishes for their future endeavors. Richard Millener, the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Principal, expressed his admiration for the duo, highlighting their growth into professional athletes and their significant contributions to the team’s success. “They have earned this next chapter of their story,” Millener said.
With an impressive legacy at M-Sport Ford, Fourmaux’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also paves the way for new talent to emerge within the WRC. As Fourmaux and Coria venture into the next phase of their careers, the rally world eagerly anticipates their continued success.
