Millener wants to keep Fourmaux in 2025: “The team is built around him”

Within the M-Sport team, the English manager has always supported Adrien Fourmaux, convinced of the Frenchman's talent. A character with sometimes excessive enthusiasm, Millener nevertheless has reason to rejoice this year.

Published on 28/08/2024 à 11:04

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Millener wants to keep Fourmaux in 2025: “The team is built around him”

Did you have a feeling thatAdrien fourmaux can sign such a season?

I was convinced that he had everything it took, including the mentality to obtain good results. I still didn't imagine that he was going to get on four podiums. There will be a big battle in the remaining races, let's see what he can do.

What has changed about him since 2022?

He negotiates the tests much better. Finland was a very good example. On Friday morning, he was not on the pace and found himself far from the place he hoped for. He made the decision to work on the car the rest of the first day and Saturday to see what worked and what didn't. Sunday wasn't perfect, but he kept fighting and finally he was there to climb the 3^e step of the podium. In the past, he could give up after a bad start.

What were the biggest changes to the car and the way of working that explain these good results?

We went back to basics, to what worked with Sébastien (LoebIn 2022. Editor's note) because we were competitive when he was with us. Our engineers had a pretty clear idea of where we needed to go, and once we had that baseline, it was just fine-tuning. By having this foundation, it has given Adrien confidence, and while we continue to research and develop solutions, we are careful not to push too far.

What is Adrien missing to win in WRC ?

He's not missing anything in particular. He just needs more experience. When I see the pace and level of commitment displayed by the front runners, it will take Adrien more time to join them and be able to fight with them in each round. There are also improvements to be made to the car, but they don't happen overnight.

What will be your strategy to manage to keep Adrien Fourmaux in your ranks?

He is aware that with us, he is No. 1 and that the team is built around him. I don't know if we need to do more to make him not want to leave. I tell myself that he must stay, because he wants to. We will continue to work to show him that the car is efficient, that the team is competitive.

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