J_P
2009-12-11, 20:46
Nu är det officiellt,, Marcus tillbaka i Sverige,, Rally Sweden 2010 blir en grym tävling,, oj vad jag längtar till februari...
Kopierat från WRC.com
Gronholm back in a Ford Focus for Rally Sweden
The opportunity to tackle one of his favourite rally stages has persuaded former World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm to come out of retirement and contest Rally Sweden, the opening round of the 2010 WRC season.
The Finn, 41, will drive an M-Sport-run Ford Focus RS WRC on the event, which starts on 12 February, accompanied by his co-driver since 1995, Timo Rautiainen.
Gronholm, crowned drivers' champion in 2000 and 2002, retired from full time competition at the end of 2007, but returned to make a guest appearance on this year's Rally Portugal in a Subaru Impreza WRC.
At the time his return was said to be a one-off, however the inclusion in Rally Sweden next year of one of his favourite winter stages, Sagen, was too tempting to ignore.
"Sweden has always been one of my favourite rallies," said Gronholm. "During my 'retirement time' I've had thoughts that one more time I would like to drive in legendary stage of Sagen. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to do it again."
Gronholm, a five time winner of Rally Sweden, has long been a fan of the Sagen stage and gave the name to the restaurant he opened after retiring from the WRC.
"My goal is to be fighting for the victory," said Gronholm. "However we all must remember that nowadays I don't have the same routine as the leading drivers, but maybe in tests I'll rediscover the touch again."
Gronholm will head a two-car team in Sweden, partnering Finnish amateur driver Matthias Therman under the 'Therminator Rally Team' banner.
"A while ago I was spending my holiday in northern Finland in a skiing centre when I had chat with Therman about the idea and he was very excited about it. In a short period we were able to collect the team together," explained Gronholm.
Kopierat från WRC.com
Gronholm back in a Ford Focus for Rally Sweden
The opportunity to tackle one of his favourite rally stages has persuaded former World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm to come out of retirement and contest Rally Sweden, the opening round of the 2010 WRC season.
The Finn, 41, will drive an M-Sport-run Ford Focus RS WRC on the event, which starts on 12 February, accompanied by his co-driver since 1995, Timo Rautiainen.
Gronholm, crowned drivers' champion in 2000 and 2002, retired from full time competition at the end of 2007, but returned to make a guest appearance on this year's Rally Portugal in a Subaru Impreza WRC.
At the time his return was said to be a one-off, however the inclusion in Rally Sweden next year of one of his favourite winter stages, Sagen, was too tempting to ignore.
"Sweden has always been one of my favourite rallies," said Gronholm. "During my 'retirement time' I've had thoughts that one more time I would like to drive in legendary stage of Sagen. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to do it again."
Gronholm, a five time winner of Rally Sweden, has long been a fan of the Sagen stage and gave the name to the restaurant he opened after retiring from the WRC.
"My goal is to be fighting for the victory," said Gronholm. "However we all must remember that nowadays I don't have the same routine as the leading drivers, but maybe in tests I'll rediscover the touch again."
Gronholm will head a two-car team in Sweden, partnering Finnish amateur driver Matthias Therman under the 'Therminator Rally Team' banner.
"A while ago I was spending my holiday in northern Finland in a skiing centre when I had chat with Therman about the idea and he was very excited about it. In a short period we were able to collect the team together," explained Gronholm.