Adrien Fourmaux has been a consistent frontrunner this season in the World Rally Championship for M-Sport Ford.
The Frenchman has taken a step forward, scoring his first podium with a third-place finish on the ice at Rally Sweden in the WRC.
Fourmaux has continued his success throughout the season, taking three more podiums at Rally Safari in Kenya, as well as two more third places in Poland and Finland.
The Ford driver has driven well on range of surface, being competitive on ice in Sweden and gravel in Kenya over the season.
He explained to the official WRC website that he is looking forward to the final round of the season at Rally Japan after his good performances on tarmac.
Adrien Fourmaux was ‘pleased’ Ford had good speed on tarmac at the Central European Rally
Fourmaux had a difficult time last time out at the Central European Rally, ending up 32nd in the standings in the penultimate event of the season.
The final round of the championship at Rally Japan could be a successful event for Ford despite the difficulties last time out.
Fourmaux is looking forward to Japan, ending the season on the tarmac, where he has driven well this year in Croatia.
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He explained that the differential is vital on tarmac ahead of the final round of the season in Japan, and is confident he can be competitive in Japan.
Fourmaux said: “I’m happy that now when the car is working, at least we are there, and the pace was good [on Sunday] morning. We finished third on Super Sunday.
“On the Power Stage we were on soft [tyres] but we should have gone a bit more hard, but it was a bit of a gamble this morning.
“I’m definitely pleased that we showed our pace on Tarmac, both today and in Croatia. If the diffs are working, I am sure we can be on the pace in Japan.”
Adrien Fourmaux will compete in Rally1 next season
Fourmaux has improved this season at Ford, taking his first podiums in the World Rally Championship on a range of surfaces.
He has looked assured and has sharpened his skills over the year, consistently driving around the top five in the series.
The official WRC website reported that the Frenchman will be competing Rally1 next season after his strong season this year for Ford.
Fourmaux may be on the move to Hyundai, a team that can regularly fight for wins and championships, although his departure could hinder Ford.