Marcus Gronholm has said that the way
Kimi Raikkonen bounced back to win the
Formula 1 drivers’ title will spur him on this weekend in Wales.
Gronholm goes to the Rally GB, with everything to do after losing the lead to his arch-rival Sébastien Loeb in Ireland. He is now six points behind the Frenchman and must win in Wales and hope that Seb finishes sixth or lower to claim the title.
Gronholm, who has been given a clean bill of health after crashing in Ireland, knows he faces a tough task but he hasn’t given up hope.
“It will be difficult to win the title but I have a chance and have to make the most of that opportunity. What happened in Formula 1 is a good example,” he explained. “With two races left, Kimi Raikkonen had a big gap to make up to win the title – and succeeded.
“That's a big spur for me because for Finland to win both the Formula 1 and the WRC titles would be something special for my country. I don't feel under pressure because it is out of my hands now. All I can do is try to win the rally and hope Seb has problems.”
The event will be an especially significant one for Gronholm, as it will be his last outing in the WRC before he hangs up his helmet for good and retires. Rally GB will also mark a milestone in his career, as it will be his 150th start.
Gronholm is not so concerned with that or winning though, his focus is on taking his third drivers’ title.
“This is my 150th WRC start so it would be great to mark that and my last rally with a victory,” he added. “But it's the title I'm thinking about. I would swap a win for a top three finish and the title if that was all that was required.”
Mikko Hirvonen meanwhile has said that the uncertain weather will probably be the ‘biggest concern’.
He goes to the event with only one target and that is to do everything he can to help his team-mate and fellow countryman, Gronholm.
“All we can do is to try to finish in front of Loeb and do our best to help Marcus,” said Hirvonen, who was fourth in Ireland, a result that helped Ford sow up the manufacturers’ championship.
“The roads in Wales will be fast and slippery and after my win in Japan last month, I feel confident in those conditions.
“The uncertain weather is the biggest concern on this rally though. Some stages will be held entirely in the dark and if it rains or is foggy then it will be extremely tricky.
