Gronholm celebrates his last in second… Hirvonen happy

After a remarkable career, albeit started late, Marcus Grönholm appeared on the podium of a World Rally Championship event for the last time on Sunday in Cardiff during the 2007 closing round.

« We were very moved with Timo at the finish of the last special stage. »

comments Gronhom.

« To finish my career with the team like this is a wonderful feeling. I really enjoyed my two seasons with Ford. We almost never experienced any problems with a fabulous car to drive. Even though I am disappointed not to have won the championship, I knew it would not be easy. I did what I could this weekend but it was in Ireland that I lost all chance. »

Marcus Grönholm retires after 150 starts, thirty victories, and two World Championship titles in 2000 and 2002.

On the winner’s side of the “Wales Rally GB,” Mikko Hirvonen ends his campaign with a third victory this season. The 27-year-old Finn is ready to become a contender for the title in 2008 and thus compete with Loeb.

Ending the season with a victory is the best possible preparation for 2008, admits the third-place finisher in the championship.

« For me, being on the podium between Sébastien Loeb, a four-time World Champion, and Marcus Grönholm, one of the greatest in our sport, is a perfect final chapter to this season. Finishing with three victories is more than I could have imagined at the start of the season. »

Mikko Hirvonen finishes the 2007 season with 99 points and ten podiums in sixteen races. He will be one of the drivers to watch next season, still with Ford, but this time accompanied by a new teammate replacing Gronholm. Latvala, given his pace in Great Britain, has more than surprised and remains the most serious contender for the open seat.