56 years of Marcus Grönholm – His 5 notable cars in WRC, rallycross… and Pikes Peak

1. The Peugeot 206 WRC
The Flying Finn owes a lot to the Lioness, starting with his two World Rally Championship (WRC) titles, in 2000 and 2002. Marcus Grönholm is even inseparable from the history of the 206 in rallying, since he was chosen by the Sochaux firm to participate in the Rally of the Acropolis (Greece) at the beginning of June, the first of the 206 on a Land event. With its compact wheelbase (4 mm in length), the car is very agile.

From his first full season at the highest level in 2000, Marcus Gronhölm dominated his rivals. With three victories, the Nordic associated with his brother-in-law Timo Rautiainen takes the crown. After a more irregular year in 2001 (three victories but 4th overall), he returned to 1st place the following season by crushing the championship. The runner-up, Petter Solberg, has half as many points (37 against 77)!

2. The Peugeot 307 WRC
The 206 having reached the end of development, Peugeot introduced the 307 CC in 2004. Unfortunately, the development of the car was complicated, and the results disappointed fans. Marcus Grönholm only won one event (Finland) and finished in a distant 5th place. It was also during this rally that his co-driver Timo Rautiainen injured his back landing from a jump on the first day, forcing the driver to slow down before the numerous bumps on the course.

In 2005, Marcus Grönholm remained leader of the Peugeot team, but still failed to thwart the tandem's plans. Loeb-Citroën (3rd tied with Petter Solberg).

3. The Ford Focus WRC
Peugeot having withdrawn from the WRC, Marcus Grönholm wore the Ford cap in 2006. On the new Focus RS 07, the Finn made life difficult for Sébastien Loeb for two seasons. A lack of success will nevertheless prevent him from winning a third title. In the fall of 2006, when the Frenchman was forced to rest for the last four rounds after a motorcycle fall, Marcus Grönholm had the free way. However, in Australia, it goes in barrels and fails at a small point at the end of the year.

The Ford Focus 07 in action at Rally Japan. Photo DPPI / François Baudin

Rebelote in 2007. Dominant on the Earth events, Marcus Grönholm made two irreparable errors in Japan and Ireland. History will rather remember the incredible New Zealand rally, where barely three tenths of a second separate the Ford from the Citroën, to the advantage of the first named. Marcus Grönholm draws a definitive curtain on his WRC period with a total of 30 victories (the 3rd highest number in history after Monte-Carlo 2018).

 

4. The Ford Fiesta Pikes Peak
In 2009, the Olsbergs structure prepared a demonic machine for Marcus Grönholm, undoubtedly the most impressive racing Ford Fiesta in history: despite the use of a "small" engine 2 liters, more than 800 horsepower are delivered to both axles.

Having a co-driver (Timo Alanne) to attack the half-tarmac, half-gravel track of Pikes Peak, Marcus Grönholm finished second after suffering mechanical problems. “The Fiesta drives fantastic, he confided. Unfortunately, we experienced some problems. But it has enormous potential. »

5. Ford Fiesta Rallycross
Power enthusiast, Marcus Grönholm also turned to rallycross. In 2008, he participated in a handful of rounds of the European Championship (ERC) in a Ford Fiesta pumped up to 560 horsepower. Proof of his talent, he won his first race in Höljes (Sweden) under the noses of the specialists.

Marcus Grönholm will be forced to end his sporting career during an accident during the 2012 X-Games trials. A concrete pole, dangerously positioned at the edge of the track, suddenly stops the Ford Fiesta. The Finn will be taken to hospital for several internal injuries. He will nevertheless return to the world of Rallycross through his son Niclas, entered in 2018 in World RX with Hyundai.