Monte Carlo Rally: Fourmaux Triumphs Over Rovanpera in Pre-Event Showdown
Adrien Fourmaux emerged victorious in his debut for Hyundai, outpacing Toyota’s Kalle Rovanpera at the Rallye National Hivernal du Devoluy. The French rally served as a crucial testing ground for both teams as they geared up for the upcoming 2025 World Rally Championship season opener in Monte Carlo.
Hyundai and Toyota strategically selected Fourmaux and Rovanpera to compete in this event, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and adapt to the new challenges ahead. Additionally, the rally served as a platform to test the performance of the all-new Hankook control tires and the non-hybrid versions of the GR Yaris and i20 N Rally1 cars.
Adrien Fourmaux’s transition to Hyundai from M-Sport-Ford proved to be a successful one, as he navigated the challenging snowy conditions of the rally with finesse. Despite facing fierce competition from Rovanpera, Fourmaux managed to maintain a steady lead throughout the stages, ultimately securing a 15.5-second victory over his rival.
Fourmaux’s Dominance on the Challenging Terrain
From stage two onwards, Fourmaux demonstrated his prowess behind the wheel of the i20, steadily increasing his lead over Rovanpera. Despite Rovanpera’s valiant efforts to close the gap, Fourmaux’s consistent performance and strategic driving allowed him to maintain a significant advantage.
A Thrilling Finale and Victory for Fourmaux
As the rally reached its climax, the tension between Fourmaux and Rovanpera intensified, with only 9.5 seconds separating the two drivers before the final stage. In a nail-biting finish, Fourmaux delivered a standout performance, clinching victory by a six-second margin over Rovanpera.
Looking Ahead to the World Rally Championship
With the Monte Carlo curtain raiser on the horizon, Fourmaux’s impressive showing at the Rallye National Hivernal du Devoluy sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. As teams prepare to compete on the global stage, Fourmaux’s win serves as a testament to his skill and determination in the world of rallying.