Drama unfolded at Rally Sweden as Adrien Fourmaux lost crucial time after a helmet mishap forced him to stop mid-stage.
Several rare occasions in motorsport highlight the importance of safety protocols, and Adrien Fourmaux’s unexpected stoppage during Rally Sweden’s SS11 stage was one such moment.
The Frenchman, in the heat of battle for the podium, lost more than 20 seconds after realizing his helmet strap was unfastened just seconds before launching off the start line.
The incident proved costly, dropping Fourmaux from fourth to sixth overall. The Hyundai driver had been just 12.6 seconds behind Elfyn Evans in the overall standings, firmly in contention.
Everything you need to know about the top-earning WRC drivers in 2025, their salaries, and what makes them the highest-paid in rallying.
However, his time loss put him further back in the fight, overshadowing what had otherwise been an impressive morning run.
“Well, if I sum up the morning, it was a really great morning in terms of pace. I’m really pleased with my performance, etc, but we had a small issue on the starting line,” Fourmaux told DirtFish.
“I realized only five or six seconds before the start that my helmet was not tightened. But at the same time, we had to leave the stage. But for safety reasons, I need to put my helmet on also. So I really struggled, you know, when you have the gloves to put the [strap] between the two hooks, it’s really difficult.”
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
)
Thierry Neuville’s journey from a €256 bank balance to 2024 WRC champion is a tale of resilience, sacrifice and triumph.
The incident left Fourmaux frustrated, particularly since pre-stage checks by marshals typically prevent such situations. He questioned how he was allowed to start without his helmet properly secured.
“It’s really a shame. But also, I don’t understand, because every time we have a marshal checking if we have belts, helmets, etc, and I have nothing. I didn’t have gloves [on] when he was in front of me. No belts, the helmet was not strapped, etc. So I don’t understand,” he added.
Despite the setback, Fourmaux remained determined to push forward, though he indicated he would speak to rally officials to determine whether there was any possibility of regaining lost time.
“We’re going to see if we can improve that, but also if we can get some time back, because it’s not performance-wise, it’s just safety reasons,” he explained.
“When it’s safety, that’s why I stopped the car, put the helmet on, instead of, I don’t know, going off and there can be spectators or whatever.”
)
Takamoto Katsuta aims for redemption at Rally Sweden after a strong but frustrating Monte Carlo.
Past incidents in rallying have seen competitors penalized for not fastening their helmets. Sébastien Ogier, Martijn Wydaeghe, and Carlos del Barrio were all fined €400 for similar infractions at the 2021 Monte Carlo Rally. However, Fourmaux’s case differs as he did not complete the stage improperly equipped—he immediately stopped and fixed the issue.
Meanwhile, Elfyn Evans capitalized on his rivals’ troubles to extend his lead. The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 driver showed strong form in the sub-zero Swedish conditions, keeping Hyundai’s challenge at bay.
He faced stiff competition from teammate Takamoto Katsuta and Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, but his consistent performance ensured he remained on top heading into the afternoon stages.
Katsuta, despite struggling with understeer, stayed within touching distance of Evans, sitting just 2.8 seconds behind by the midday service.
Neuville, who won the final stage of the morning loop, also made gains, as Hyundai teammate Ott Tänak suffered unexplained mechanical concerns.
