Pikes Peak: Grönholm can be 'faster'

Marcus Grönholm, double world champion WRC (2000, 2002) now knows that the Ford Fiesta he was driving can beat the Pikes Peak record and go under the mythical ten-minute mark. Starting on this famous track, the Finn nevertheless finished in second place in the “unlimited” category, in fifth place in the general classification. “ I always wanted to run at Pikes Peak, confides Grönholm after the competition. Having been present throughout the week, I must admit that this is one of the most difficult races of my career. It's one of those events that you tell people you were there and competed in. »

However, Marcus Grönholm admits that he had limited knowledge of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “ I had heard about it, then I saw this famous film shot in the mountains with Ari Vatanen. But it's only when you come here that you realize the challenge it represents. »

The former pilot Peugeot and Ford in the WRC finished second in the “unlimited” category, more than a minute behind the winner, the Japanese Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima. But the Finn thinks he can do much better if he comes back. “ The Fiesta drives fantastic. Unfortunately, we experienced some problems. But it has enormous potential. She could break the record and go under 10 minutes. If I come back, I know what we will have to do to be faster. » For Marcus Grönholm, the appointment seems to have already been made for a return to Pikes Peak.