Adrien Fourmaux reflects on missed victory at Rally de Portugal

Adrien Fourmaux emerged as a key contender during the Rally de Portugal, showcasing his speed on gravel stages by leading during the initial dry conditions. Despite a promising start that saw him battle for the lead, the Frenchman’s momentum was disrupted on stage eight when his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 sustained a double puncture, dropping him nearly thirty seconds behind the leaders.

As conditions shifted to wet weather over the weekend, Fourmaux struggled to regain his earlier pace, noting that his adjustments to the car's setup for the rain proved counterproductive. Although he missed out on a maiden win, he finished the event fourth overall and concluded the weekend on a high note by winning the Fafe Power Stage, netting 20 points toward his championship campaign.

Fourmaux emphasized the collaborative environment at Hyundai, noting that his own successful setup was shared with teammate Thierry Neuville to aid the team's overall effort. While he expressed frustration at the missed opportunity to challenge for victory, the 31-year-old noted that the experience served as a valuable learning process regarding car adjustments in changing conditions.