Marcus Gronholm retires from WRC after this season

[yg60m]

Indeed very sad. He is a great driver and it's even more when you think that he was the only one capable to compete with Sebastien Loeb during the last seasons ... There was only 3/10 of a second between them at the last rally !!
I would almost wish him to win the title this year as I respect him very much :wink:

[gangajas]

Sad news, he is the only one able to compete with Loeb. I hope Hirvonen improves, but I'm afraid that he will never be at the same level than Gronholm and Loeb.

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

What a shame for me as well, as Gangajas said, IMO only Marcus was the only driver able to challenge to Loeb; however, I think that Hirvonen hasnt reached his limit, and in the following years, I see Hirvonen and Latvala fighting with Loeb, nonetheless, for the 2008 there will be a big gap between Loeb and the rest

[dutchmasterflex]

Going out on a high note ;)

He must really be putting all he's got into this season. Hope he can take the championship one more time.

But I definitely think he can go another season.. too bad though. It's really great to see him make that Ford Focus dance.

[redbaron]

Sad news, but understandable. I hope they (co-driver Timo Rautiainen retires as well) end with another world championship title.


BTW, I read in Autosport that Solberg was considering leaving Subaru at the end of the season since they can't assure the Peter that he has a chance to win the championship next year. Would be nice to see him driving the Focus now :wink:

A experienced driver like Solberg will not be bad for Ford. I.M.O Hirvonen is a potential future World Champion, but I do not think he is experienced enough (yet).

[Mattk]

Gronholm has been an institution in the WRC and his depature will be keenly felt. He's performing very well this year, and could very likely claim the championship in his last year. A fitting tribute.

[racer_f50]

:(
That totally sucks from a fan perspective. Gronholm has probably the greatest personality of current rally drivers, and his driving style is among the best. It's been such a thrill to see him winning so often this season, especially that super-close rally the other week.

However, I can understand that continuing rally gets harder each year since it's such a risky sport and he probably wants to spend more time with his family.

[79TA]

BTW, I read in Autosport that Solberg was considering leaving Subaru at the end of the season since they can't assure the Peter that he has a chance to win the championship next year. Would be nice to see him driving the Focus now :wink:

Actually, before this news about Grönholm, there were rumors out, that if he would quit Ford would be looking at Solberg and even Markko Märtin as the replacement.

hehe, I hope they meant Henning lest they want their car wrecked every other rally.