Adrien Fourmaux will return to Rally1 competition aboard an M-Sport Ford Puma at next month’s Rally Japan.
The Frenchman, who’s promotion comes as a reward for his 2023 British Rally Championship title and work in WRC2 developing the Ford Fiesta Rally2, will replace compatriot Pierre-Louis Loubet in the M-Sport line-up alongside Ott Tänak.
In a post on social media, M-Sport said: “Following Rally Greece a joint decision was made between Pierre and the team that Rally Central Europe would be his last event for the season.
“This extended break will allow Pierre to concentrate fully on getting everything needed in place to ensure that he lines up in Monte Carlo for the start of the 2024 season.”
The move sees Fourmaux return to a Rally1 car for the first time since Rally Spain last year, and M-Sport is confident that the Frenchman can deliver a strong showing in Japan.
“Adrien and Alex should be well suited to the tight, technical tarmac roads that the event has to offer,” said the team’s statement.
“We look forward to seeing how they can perform back in Rally1 machinery.”
The move back into the top-flight of World Rally Championship competition comes at a crucial moment for Fourmaux, as the team looks to secure its 2024 driver lineup following the confirmation of Ott Tänak’s departure to Hyundai.
