Gronholm retires from rally circuit

Double world rally champion Marcus Gronholm has announced he is to retire from the sport at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old Finn, who won the world title in 2000 and 2002, is 10 points clear in the current standings on Sebastien Loeb.

Ford driver Gronholm revealed his retirement plans on his personal website.

He said: “Over 20 years of rallying has given me a lot and I’ve always dreamed of ending my career on its top.

“Now I have an excellent chance to make it happen and I’m going to use it.

“There are no dramatics involved as I want to give possibilities for younger drivers to reach their dreams – like I have done.”

Gronholm’s world championship career began in 1989 but it was not until 2000 that he raced a full season when he joined the Peugeot works team.

A title win during his debut season for Peugeot was followed by another crown two years later and he currently has 30 world championship race wins to his name.

He has spent the last two seasons driving for Ford following Peugeot’s withdrawal from the championship.

Gronholm’s co-driver Timo Rautiainen will also retire at the end of the season.

“To be honest I cannot imagine continuing my co-driver career with anyone else,” said Rautiainen.

“I have had the privilege and honour to experience the ups and downs of Gronholm’s career and gain two world rally championship titles with him.”