Marcus Gronholm
Marcus Gronholm
Marcus Ulf Johan Grönholmis a Finnish former rally and rallycross driver, being part of a family of the Swedish-speaking population of Finland lineage. His son, Niclas Grönholm, is an upcoming FIA World Rallycross Championship driver. Marcus' nicknames are either "Bosse"or "Magic Marcus". Driving for Peugeot, he won the World Rally Championship in 2000 and 2002. After Peugeot withdrew from the World Rally Championship, Grönholm moved to Ford for the 2006 season and placed second in the drivers' world championship, losing...
calculated maybe points problems six thinking
I was not thinking a podium was possible. I calculated I could maybe get fourth. To take six points after the problems is good.
bouncing cars cold corner dragged driver enter fast freeze instead problem rely snow
I don't try to use them that much but when you enter a corner too fast they can be a help. The problem is that a driver can't rely on them. If temperatures aren't cold enough to freeze the snow properly, instead of bouncing off the banks, cars can be dragged into the snow or plough through them and off the road.
closer expect expecting fantastic fight good knew last mexico problems sure troubles wait win
I didn't expect to win. It's a new car, it's a fantastic result. I thought I could win before the last stage, not earlier. Everything is possible. We had our problems this morning. I was expecting Sebastien will be closer but I knew it would be a good fight here, I was sure about that. Petter had so many troubles in this rally, he couldn't show his speed. We have to wait for Mexico to see what he can do.
contention controlled win
The win is fantastic. When Loeb went off I just controlled my pace, but with him in contention it would have been very difficult.
maintain mexico mistake next strong win
Because I made a mistake in Mexico and scored only one point, I really need to win one of the next two rallies to maintain a strong championship position.
enjoyed felt stage
I enjoyed the first stage a lot, I felt very comfortable driving. I'm very happy.
bit faster relaxed
I am relaxed because I am a little bit faster than Sebastien.
car driver focus happy mistakes number rally seems small tried
This was the first gravel rally for me with the new Focus. We tried a number of small things. The car seems to be good, and I am happy with that, but driver mistakes are not good!
december expecting fast focus france incredibly reliable short sweden tests
We are expecting a lot and so is the team. First tests in December in Sweden and France showed us that these expectations are well reasoned. All new Focus is not only fast but incredibly reliable after such a short development.
cautious damage drive fight fun good happy hit holes last night rally stones today until won yesterday
It was a good fight until yesterday night, Loeb was very good here. We have won this rally many times and I'm happy for that. Today we had to be cautious not to hit any stones or holes which could do damage to the car, it was not fun to drive the last stages.
car developed driven experience feeling focus france gain good hugely initial quickly relationship round settled snow sweden twice win
I've driven the Focus RS WRC on snow in Sweden and twice on asphalt in France and I'm hugely impressed. I quickly developed a good feeling with the car and have settled into a good working relationship with the team. I'm not making any predictions about Monte Carlo. The important thing on the first round is for me to gain experience of the car in competitive surroundings. But my initial feeling is that the Focus RS WRC can win rallies in 2006.
bit challenge change energy extra face gives learning leave load memories move nostalgic past people pleasant sad seven team
A change always gives you an extra injection of energy and this is our first move after working seven years for Peugeot. It was a bit sad to leave the team where we have had everything in our career. We have a load of nostalgic memories from the past years. Now we face the pleasant challenge of learning the way our new team is working and to get to know all the people involved.
car step taken
The most important thing is that the car has taken a step forward.
almost full gear junction
I went off at the first junction and almost got stuck. I put it in first gear and full throttle and managed to not get stuck.