'It feels like home, but…’ – Adrien Fourmaux reflects on M-Sport as offers pour in

M-Sport Ford driver Adrien Fourmaux has revealed the tantalizing choices he faces as he considers his future in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The 29-year-old Frenchman, who has been a key part of M-Sport’s line-up since 2020, is in the enviable position of being courted by multiple top teams following a stellar season.

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In the fifth episode of the More than Machine docuseries, which premiered on Thursday, November 14, Fourmaux shared his thoughts on the crossroads he currently faces.

“I make my decision with my head more than my heart,” he explained.

“Because my aim is to be world champion and I want to find a good way to go there.”

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Fourmaux’s 2023 season has been his strongest yet, marked by four podiums and multiple stage wins in the highly competitive WRC calendar.

Driving the Puma Rally1 HYBRID alongside co-driver Alex Coria, he has showcased his growing maturity and skill on the world stage.

Despite his achievements with M-Sport, he acknowledges the financial and resource constraints faced by the team.

“What M-Sport is doing with the money they have got is incredible, it’s brilliant – but will it be enough? That’s the question.”

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The Frenchman admitted that while M-Sport feels like home, other offers on the table are hard to ignore.

Hyundai Motorsport, currently leading the manufacturers’ championship, has reportedly offered Fourmaux a full-season deal for 2025.

Meanwhile, Toyota GAZOO Racing has put forward a half-season opportunity, which he has ruled out as a serious option.

“It doesn’t mean that I am leaving,” Fourmaux clarified.

“But Hyundai is offering me a full season, which is interesting. Toyota is [offering] a half season, which I am not interested in. But for sure, at M-Sport I know everybody, and it feels like a home. They said they want to keep me, but I am still waiting for it, so it’s quite annoying.”

Hyundai’s interest in Fourmaux comes amidst an evolving driver line-up.

While Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak are confirmed for next year, the team has yet to solidify the role of its third driver.

Andreas Mikkelsen, Dani Sordo, and Esapekka Lappi have shared duties in the third i20 N Rally1 HYBRID this season, but none have secured contracts for 2025, potentially paving the way for Fourmaux.

On the other hand, Toyota, reigning champions in recent seasons, is also reshuffling its roster, with announcements expected after next week’s FORUM8 Rally Japan.

Fourmaux’s candid dismissal of Toyota’s offer indicates his desire for consistency and a clear path to the championship title, which he views as non-negotiable.

M-Sport Ford remains in the mix as Fourmaux’s familiarity with the team and its operations gives it a personal edge.

However, the Frenchman’s comments highlight an underlying frustration with the delay in receiving concrete assurances.

“I want to stay loyal, but the decision is not just mine.»