BP Ford team leader Marcus Gronholm has predicted that the battle for the 2007 drivers' title will probably go all the way to the wire.

Gronholm heads into the Rally Japan this weekend still in the lead, albeit having seen his 10-point cushion cut back to just four points following the back-to-back asphalt events in Spain and France.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's event, the fourteenth round in the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship, the Finn conceded though that with 30-points still up for grabs, it is difficult to say who will ultimately come out top.

"The drivers' championship is at an exciting point. There are just four points between myself and Sebastien Loeb and that is not a comfortable margin. It is too close to call," he confirmed.

"A win in Japan would obviously help but I think this could go all the way down to the final round in Wales."

Gronholm meanwhile was second overall on the Rally Japan last year - just 5.6 seconds behind eventual winner, Sebastien Loeb, while he won the event in 2005 and was fourth in 2004.

This will be his fourth start in the 'Land of the Rising Sun' and he thinks it shares many similar characteristics to Rally GB and even Rally Finland.

"The roads are very narrow in places, but quite quick. They remind me of the stages in Great Britain, and even Finland in places. They require great care because there are deep ditches by the side of the road," he continued.

"It's hard to pick them out because of the thick vegetation and it's tricky to see the exit of corners anyway because overhanging trees block the view," he added.