Gronholm Draws Strength From Kimi Comeback

From Crash.net

BP Ford team leader, Marcus Gronholm has said that the way Kimi Raikkonen bounced back to win the Formula 1 drivers’ title will spur him on next weekend in Wales.

Gronholm goes to the Rally GB, the final round in the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship, which runs from November 30 to December 2, with everything to do after losing the lead to his arch-rival Sebastien Loeb in Ireland last weekend.

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 One 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 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."

To date Gronholm has competed on the Rally GB ten times – taking two wins, one in 2001 and one last year, when he gave Ford its first British win since 1979. If he does win next weekend he will take his total victory tally to 31.

It’s great that Kimi’s amazing comeback is a like a form of motivation for other sportsmen/women. It’s a testament to never giving up. Good luck to Marcus!