After the virgin territory of Cyprus, the World Rally Championship regulars are back on more familiar ground this weekend as the series hits the Mediterranean island of Corsica.
The Tour de Corse is one of the most famous names in rallying and, despite the rise to prominence of both San Remo and Catalunya, is still regarded as the best tarmac event on the calendar. The tortuous route around the mountainous island has led to the event being dubbed ''the rally of 10,000 corners'' - or as Tommi Makinen describes it: ''very twisty - with cows!'', after he encountered a member of the local wildlife during the 1997 rally.
The twisting mountain roads, many clinging to the side of steep cliffs, will provide a spectacular backdrop to some equally interesting action, as the series moves into its final quarter with at least four crews still holding championship winning hands.
Peugeot arrives at what could be considered its home event with Marcus Gronholm at the head of the point standings despite not scoring at the last round in Cyprus. Twelve months ago, the 206WRC made its championship debut on Corsica, and the team arrives back on the island hoping for an anniversary win to strengthen its driver's advantage.
Interestingly, Peugeot has left Gronholm to concentrate purely on the drivers' championship this weekend, nominating asphalt experts Francois Delecour and Gilles Panizzi to rack up manufacturers' points on their favourite surface The team knows that the event could be vital to its title aspirations in both championships and, having received official dispensation for Gronholm to start first on the road despite not having been nominated for points, will be looking to capitalise.
