Canary Islands – Mathieu Franceschi: “I don’t have much time, I’m in a hurry”

Even though he assures us otherwise, managing to "corner" Mathieu Franceschi to get a few words is often a challenge. Heading off to the Canary Islands, the 25-year-old driver took the time to take stock of what awaits him this year. Having played a leading role in ERC In 2023 and 2024, he could have chosen to aim for the title this season, but he preferred to tackle a new challenge by lining up in WRC2. I know for sure that I won't continue in this sport for many more years., he explains. It costs way too much. I'm in the process of trying to go as high as possible... without really knowing where that is. I don't have much time, I'm in a hurry. It probably means becoming a professional pilot to be able to make a living from it. If that doesn't happen, I'll devote myself to more... serious things or at least things that allow me to spend less money and that can even make some money... "While this speech may contrast with that of some of his colleagues, this does not prevent him from giving himself every chance to achieve this objective.

« I am very eager to start this program, even if there are not many certainties for the future., he reveals. We are diving a little into the unknown. We have prepared this rally with the usual seriousness. It is true that I have already competed in the Canaries, but in the end there is only 30% of the route that is common with what I have done so I will have a lot of kilometers to discover. This is my first race with the Toyota Yaris. After several seasons in a Skoda, I had an opportunity and made the choice to change. We'll see if it was the right one. I know I'll need to adapt, because the sound of the 3-cylinder engine isn't yet something natural. With the Fabia, I changed gears with my eyes closed. That will come in a while with the Yaris." Mathieu had a few days to test the Japanese car before the Canary Islands and it will be interesting to see what he is capable of achieving with this car. That won't be his only question mark.

« I'll also have to get used to riding on the Hankook tires., he addsI've been rallying for 7 years and I've always had Michelins. It's clear that this is going to be a big change. However, we're all in the same boat so there's no point complaining. Finally, I'll have Lucie Baud by my side again. We know each other well and I'm sure that's the parameter that will take me the least time to get back into the swing of things. "Given all these uncertainties, Mathieu Franceschi refuses to be considered one of the favorites for victory in the Canaries. I am very far from being on this list.he smiled. I would say more that I am a rookie who is going to try to discover things and find my bearings with the format of the WRCWe want to replicate the ERC model, namely one year for learning and another for expressing oneself. » For his first appearance in WRC2, the driver from Fayence will have 18 SS and 301,30 km timed.  

ALSO READ > The 2025 Canary Islands Rally program