WRC – Fourmaux claims career-first rally lead after Tremendous Particular opener in Japan

2024 FORUM8 Rally Japan – Thursday report

Adrien Fourmaux is savouring a profession milestone after successful FORUM8 Rally Japan’s opening stage, thrilling a packed Toyota Stadium crowd on Thursday night.

The ultimate spherical of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship launched in spectacular model, with followers handled to a two-at-a-time tremendous particular which set the scene for 3 days of intense competitors throughout over 20 asphalt levels.

Driving an M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID, Fourmaux edged Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID driver Ott Tänak by 0.5sec. Toyota GAZOO Racing’s house favorite Takamoto Katsuta delighted the native followers by claiming third, an additional 0.3sec again.

For Fourmaux, who has began 58 WRC occasions and claimed 4 podium finishes, this marks the primary time he has ever led a WRC rally. The Frenchman’s enthusiasm was infectious as he soaked up the second.

“I could not come to Japan and never have neon lights,” he joked, referencing the hanging lighting beneath his automobile. “I’m nonetheless residing the dream I had once I was youthful. I actually loved it – it was nice to see so many spectators right here.”

Elfyn Evans slotted his GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID into fourth place, simply 0.9sec behind Fourmaux’s benchmark and 1.3sec forward of championship chief Thierry Neuville. Neuville, who wants solely six factors to safe a maiden drivers’ title for each himself and Hyundai, stays laser-focused.

“We’re undoubtedly counting down the levels,” the Belgian stated. “The aims are clear for the crew, and everyone seems to be motivated however calm. As soon as the rally begins, it’s simpler to handle the stress. We simply want to remain concentrated and do our job.”

Eight-time WRC champion Sébastien Ogier matched Neuville’s time to share fifth place. Grégoire Munster and Andreas Mikkelsen rounded out the highest eight, although Mikkelsen encountered drama with a gasoline surge challenge.

“I used to be empty of gasoline!” the Norwegian exclaimed. “The automobile began chopping out, and I needed to drive left and proper to maintain it going. We virtually didn’t attain the end line.”

Ninth place went to Nikolay Gryazin, who additionally set the tempo in WRC2 in his Citroën C3. Championship contender Sami Pajari was second in school in a Toyota GR Yaris , needing a top-two end this week to safe the WRC2 title.