Mikko Hirvonen has moved closer to securing the opening round of the 2010 WRC campaign. The Finn has increased his lead to 16 secs after the today’s stages. With only five stages remaining, even the defending series champion admits it will be tough to overhaul last year’s runner up. Hirvonen was able to take advantage when the two front runners opted for new tires at different points. Loeb put on fresh tires on the front while leaving severely worn tires on the rear. The mistake would cost him dearly. Jari-Matti…
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Rally – Hirvonen Leads After Day 1
The WRC and Rally Sweden are now officially go and the first day has ended with the factory Ford of Mikko Hirvonen in the lead. The day started with Sordo and Ogier in the first and second position, but that was short lived as the rally ventured out into the proper stages. The Citroen duo attacked early and were able to claim the lead with Sebastian Loeb. Dani Sordo and Mikko Hirvonen were engaged in a battle for most of the morning, with the Finn putting his Focus in second…
Read MoreRally – Sweden Preview
Tonight’s spectator super special will kick off Rally Sweden and the 2010 WRC campaign. Here is a preview of what to expect from the one snow rally of the year. The rally was last run in 2008 with Jari-Matti Latvala taking the victory. This time over half the stages have changed and Latvala’s mission objectives have changed as well. Mikko Hirvonen was runner up in 2008 as he now begins his title bid in an attempt to capture his first ever WRC championship. This week brought news that Jari-Matti will…
Read MoreRally – Gronholm to Represent Stobart in Sweden
Double WRC champion Marcus Gronholm has joined Stobart for the opening round of the WRC calendar in Sweden. Gronholm, who already entered in the event driving a Ford Focus has been brought under the Stobart banner as an official points scorer. Gronholm originally entered under Mattias Therman’s team banner, however Ford has opted to replace Matthew Wilson with Gronholm in the Stobart outfit in hopes of scoring key manufacturer points. Matthew Wilson will still participate in the Swedish round but will not be eligible to score any points. Gronholm proved…
Read MoreRally – Gronholm Returns to Sweden
Marcus Gronholm has tackled many every rally out there during his long career. However, one stands out more than others. Rally Sweden and the world famous Sagen stage have always been one of the Finns favorite. Gronholm has announced that he will be in an M-Sport Ford Focus for the Swedish round in 2010. The rally kicks off on 12 February and is the only snow event on the calendar this year. Gronholm has won Sweden five times and should be right back at home in the Ford Focus. It…
Read MoreRally – Gronholm Looks at 2010 Options
The two time WRC champion Marcus Gronholm is said to be exploring options that would see him back in a car for more than one event in 2010. Gronholm performed in the Rally Portugal and was very quick until an incident seen him out of the rally early. Marcus stated during the rally Portugal that he did not want the responsibility of running a full rally season. Where have I heard that before Michael. At the moment, it would appear that Marcus is looking for two rallies including Sweden and…
Read MoreRally – Gronholm at Pikes
After a week of heavy build up and much anticipation, Sunday saw the Pikes Peak hill climb finally get under way. The anticipation of the classic event was built up even more than usual with news that Marcus Gronholm would participate in an 800 hp rallycross derived Ford Fiesta. Suzuki had their usual pit bull Suzuki Sport XL7 in top form as the battle was set to take place. Once the event got under way however, Gronholm would quickly find that Pikes Peak is a different breed. One that is…
Read MoreRally – Gronholm to Compete in Rallysprint
Marcus Gronholm will be behind the wheel in Finland after his run at the Pikes Peak event. Gronholm has confirmed he will compete in Finland, but not for the WRC event. Instead, Gronholm will be running a rallysprint knockout competition that takes place at the end of day two of the Rally Finland. It will be in a super special stage setting in which two cars will go head to head and eventually knockout until there is only one remaining. Gronholm will be running a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX for…
Read MoreRally – Gronholm Coming to America
However it is not the capacity that we were hoping. There will be no Rally America for Marcus, but Pikes Peak is another matter all together. Former WRC champion will be fitted into a brand new Ford Fiesta RS for the climb. The Fiesta is not due in the states for another year, but it is a hot little car that is bound to grab attention. Marcus has run one WRC event this year and put up excellent pace in the Prodrive Subaru. There are talks of another WRC rally…
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