French formula driver Tristan Charpentier signs with KMS Racing for national and international events in 2024
French single-seat racer turned rally driver Tristan Charpentier takes the next step in his career, as the 23-year-old moves to Rally3-spec Ford Fiesta. Competing with the Finnish team KMS Racing, Charpentier’s competitive program for 2024 includes WRC, ERC, and FRC events.
The French racing driver Tristan Charpentier is taking on a new challenge with KMS Racing in 2024. Starting with the third round of the FRC, SM Tuuri Ralli, the former Indy Pro 2000, Super Formula, and British F3 driver’s program consists of WRC and ERC events as well. Charpentier made the switch from circuits to special stages last year and will be competing with the four-wheel-drive Ford Fiesta Rally3 for the first time in Tuuri.
-Why did I switch to rallying from circuit racing – it’s a question I get asked often. I wanted to take on a new challenge, and for me rally is something totally different. I had to sort of remake myself. I like that there’s a lot of different surfaces, and it’s never the same. I’m excited to take on this new challenge, Charpentier said.
Charpentier’s 2024 competitive calendar is set to be extensive. The Frenchman will be competing with KMS Racing in both international and Finnish events throughout 2024.
-We are starting our journey with the Tuuri Rally next weekend, and then we prepare for WRC Croatia. My program for 2024 includes selected WRC events with Portugal, Poland, Greece, and CET at least planned. I’ll be competing in Sweden’s round of ERC as well as at least the FRC rally in Lahti, the 23-year-old explains.
After competing in single seaters in both Europe, Asia, and United States, the French driver took on rallying for the first time just last year. Choosing KMS Racing as the next step in his career felt natural to the 23-year-old, and the goal for 2024 is to lay the foundations for moving forward.
-I could see instantly that KMS Racing is a serious team. They are also close to M-Sport Poland, which is important to me. Lastly, I get on very well with Jussi (Kumpumäki), he’s very professional and serious about competing and I feel this was the right move and team for me.
-My 2024 season will be a season of learning for me, both with four-wheel-drive and longer WRC events. I performed well in the French championship, which has quite a high level of competition on tarmac, and I’m expecting and hoping to be fighting near the top of WRC3 in the rallies I feel comfortable at. When it comes to Tuuri, it’s about setting a benchmark for myself and seeing where we stand against the Finns, which are the fastest on snow, Charpentier ends.
Photo: Tristan Charpentier
