Gronholm seals home victory

25th August 2006

Home favourite Marcus Gronholm made the most of his local knowledge to win the Rally of Finland for the sixth time in seven years. A fourth victory of the season for the Finn also denied reigning champion Sebastien Loeb a record-breaking 27th WRC success.

The Frenchman chased Gronholm hard during the opening exchanges of what is the fastest and most spectacular event on the WRC calendar, but he was forced to settle for second place after puncturing a tyre.

“I’ve not had a single problem all weekend and victory is really important to me,” said the 38-year-old Ford ace, who has now racked up 22 WRC wins. “I had a good fight with Loeb, but once he dropped time I had a decent lead and could pace myself to the finish.”

Even though Gronholm believes he can win all six remaining rounds, he admits he has little chance of dethroning Loeb. By finishing second, the Citroen star remains 31 points clear at the top of the standings. “I know I can win more rallies this season, but there is no chance to catch him,” confessed the Finn. Loeb had mixed emotions after finishing runner-up for the second season running. “This is one of the rallies I have never won. But second is all right, and it’s eight points for the championship. I hope I’ll beat Marcus one year here though,” he said.