With Hyundai's decision not to produce a WRC27 car for at least the 2027 season, Adrien Fourmaux has considered a return to Rally2. The Frenchman, who has yet to win a lap in the WRC but has proven himself with 10 podiums and 50 special stage victories, has indicated he would be open to a one-year stint in Rally2.
The main target is 2028 and 2029.
Speaking to DirtFish, Fourmaux made it clear that despite the short-term uncertainty, his focus is on the future: “If I had to drive Rally2 in 2027 but come back with a WRC27 car in 2028, I would be happy with that. I’m looking more towards 2028 and 2029 than 2027.’ He added that if manufacturers return with the WRC27 program, that’s the opportunity he wants to have.
Given that his teammate Thierry Neuville admitted to DirtFish that he "has no idea" about 2027, Fourmaux's plans are relatively clear. While Hyundai's future remains uncertain, Fourmaux at least knows which scenario would satisfy him.
Ogier's 2012 example was used as a reference.
Fourmaux explained that a temporary return to the category wouldn't be fatal for his career with an example from the past: “Sébastien Ogier returned to Super 2000 for a year in 2012, moved up to Rally1 in 2013 and won the championship. It's true that this step wasn't a good thing, but looking at history, it's a period that can be overcome.’ Fourmaux himself experienced a similar setback in 2023 and managed to return to the top category.
The French driver underlined that during this period he could be involved in the development of the WRC27 car as well as the Rally2 program: “If we are only talking about a one-year break and on top of that you are in the development process of the WRC27, that is acceptable for me. But if it is just about racing in Rally2, that would be a huge disappointment.’
A driver who believes he deserved it but doesn't blame the sport.
When asked if the situation upset him, Fourmaux gave a resounding 'yes': ‘I think I deserve to stay in Rally1.’ On the other hand, he emphasized that he could clear his conscience if this step back was not his own choice but a result of the circumstances of the sport: “At least I can’t blame myself.’
Before the 2027 calendar is finalized, Fourmaux does not yet have an officially announced agreement. Decisions regarding Hyundai's future in WRC are expected to become clear in the coming months.