Gronholm Retires

[Muzzer]

Just heard that Marcus Gronholm is calling it a day at the end of this season.

He's 39 apparently - didn't know he was that old. Would be a good time to go if he can get a 3rd title..

Who will challenge Loeb next season though? Subaru aren't really there (The impreza's rubbish and the new one will need development) and I think Solberg's gone off the boil in the last few seasons..

Ford have the car but who will they replace Marcus with? Hirvonen is good but not really a title winner yet.

[Ranger 6]

That's a shame - he's always good entertainment, especially some of the throw away lines at the end of the stage. Think of the cow incident in Germany...

[kevin ritson]

The WRC really has gone down the toilet of late...guess that's Max 'n' Bernie for you...are they on a mission to destroy motorsport?

[castrolcraig]

has petter got a scooby contract for next season??

if not dont bet against him in a ford .....

[dougc]

It came some stone, up in the ass of Timo

Priceless. Shame he's decided to call it a day...

[rude-boy]

It is a shame but I can fully understand it. Motorsport is dangerous as it is. Rallying is perhaps (to my mind) one of the most dangerous parts of the sprot (certainly per competative mile driven) and there are only so many times you can take it to the limit before you fall over.

[RT106]

rude-boy said:

It is a shame but I can fully understand it. Motorsport is dangerous as it is. Rallying is perhaps (to my mind) one of the most dangerous parts of the sprot (certainly per competative mile driven) and there are only so many times you can take it to the limit before you fall over.

I doubt danger's ever entered his mind. As he says, he just wants to finish on a high and it's currently looking very good for a WRC win this year. Most top-flight rally drivers do seem to lose a bit of pace as they approach 40 and wanting to get out before the inevitable happens is probably a good idea.

It's a huge shame though, to my mind he's the most talented driver still in the sport and certainly one of the more enjoyable to watch.

[jellison]

A REAL SHAME - TOP TOP GUY

[Ace-T]

Bugger, he is my hero, fantastic driver and such a guy. Well, I wish him luck with whatever he decides to do next

Ace-T

[woof]

great clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo9D5n2q0fk&NR=...

[paul2897]

Real shame, really enjoyed him on the stages, and his post event comments.

Could be seen by some as a miserable bugger, but he was just honest when things weren't going how he wanted - loved the honesty. And could always admit when he had simply be beaten.

[Hut49]

dougc said:

It came some stone, up in the ass of Timo

Priceless. Shame he's decided to call it a day...

Thanks for reminding me - I'd only just stopped laughing after the last time I saw that a few months ago!! Brilliant driver and always ready to talk to the interviewers even when under pressure. The rally scene is starting to look a bit thin in terms of larger than life characters who can deliver on the stages and who also have media-appeal.

[Mr_Thyroid]

Brilliant - Up in the ass hole of Timo - but it's the hand gesture that's the best.

[stephen300o]

He'll be missed greatly, as funny as he is fast

[NAS]

Shame, great driver and a really nice bloke. Hope somebody will be able to step up and challenge Loeb next year.

[Slippydiff]

The only driver who's kept Loeb honest for the past few seasons. He'll be missed.
I really hope he wins the championship this year, he deserves to.
As others have asked, who's going to take the fight to Loeb next year ?
Maybe Mikko Hirvonen will blossom when Marcus steps down ?

[deadslow]

A brilliant driver who wears his heart on his sleeve. And FAST. Will be sorely missed.

[kenthardy]

kevin ritson said:

The WRC really has gone down the toilet of late...guess that's Max 'n' Bernie for you...are they on a mission to destroy motorsport?

Where does Gronholm's much anticipated probably retirement have anything to do with Max and Bernie??

[geofflowe]

Anyone who can pedal a car through forest stages like any of the WRC drivers has my utmost respect. But when you can not only do that but finish minutes ahead of rivals over the same terrain, makes Marcus and Seb in a class of their own. Shame to see him go and the Championship will be worse off in 2008 and beyond.

[tuscan30]

As far as replacing the great man - didn't I hear a whisper that Marko Martin was thinking about a comeback? Or what about one of the Higgins brothers ?
Must agree it'll be sad to see Markus go, a real star if ever there was one.