Adrien Fourmaux misses out on the podium in Paraguay and is subsequently withdrawn by Hyundai – with noticeable consequences for the World Championship battle
The title race in the World Rally Championship (WRC) has taken a surprising turn. Hyundai has decided to withdraw Adrien Fourmaux after the Rally Paraguay. This decision has a direct impact on the overall standings and reduces the lead of WRC leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota).
Fourmaux was on course for a podium finish for a long time and went into the final Power Stage in second place. However, heavy rainfall made for difficult conditions, especially for Fourmaux and eventual winner Sebastien Ogier. Fourmaux fell back to fourth place and missed the podium by 1.3 seconds. Even before the final time checkpoint, however, Hyundai decided to officially withdraw the car.
The reason behind this decision is apparently the strategic preparation for the Rally Chile, which takes place in two weeks. Paraguay and Chile are considered so-called linked events, which is why certain transmission and drive components must remain sealed throughout both rallies.
Evans’ lead melts to seven points
These parts may only be replaced if the car is officially withdrawn from the first rally or if approval has been granted by the FIA technical delegate. Breaking the seals without approval would result in a five-minute penalty at the next event.
Fourmaux’s retirement changes the points allocation. Team mate Ott Tänak moves up to fourth place and receives two additional points. Kalle Rovanperä in the Toyota also benefits and improves to fifth place, also with two additional points.
This reduces Rovanperä’s deficit to leader Evans from nine to seven points. Ogier drops to third place but remains nine points behind Evans. Tänak reduces his deficit to 18 points.
The updated World Championship standings (top 5):
- 1. Elfyn Evans – 199 points
- 2. Kalle Rovanperä – 191 points
- 3. Sebastien Ogier – 189 points
- 4. Ott Tänak – 180 points
- 5. Thierry Neuville – 150 points
Before announcing his retirement, Fourmaux expressed his disappointment with the result: “I’m really disappointed with the outcome of the rally. We were in second place for almost the entire weekend and even led on Friday. Then we had a puncture, which we managed to deal with, and held on to second place. Later, we lost it, got it back, and today we lost a lot of time twice.”
“First, the engine stalled when starting, then the car took on water when driving through a water crossing. Finally, we lost second place again in the Power Stage after heavy rain. It was very difficult, I gave it my all and missed the podium by 1.3 seconds. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with our performance, we had a very good pace throughout the rally,” said Fourmaux.