Gronholm moves to Ford in 2006

[Yeo]

Marcus Gronholm and co-driver Timo Rautiainen now know where they will land in World Rally Championship competition next year: the two-time WRC champions have signed with Ford of Europe for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

Ford landed one of the top-notch experienced driver combinations to drive their new Focus RS WRC. "We're delighted to announce that Ford has entered into a two-year agreement with Marcus," said Ford TeamRS director Jost Capito. "I believe Marcus and the all-new Focus RS WRC will be the perfect package."

The Finn is equally pleased to have already clinched a new contract for the future with the departure of Peugeot from the championship at the end of the 2005 season. However, at this time his concentration remains on the final three events with his current ride and will comment later on his new ride.

On behalf of the Ford contingent, Capito added: "He (Gronholm) will strengthen our WRC efforts and will join the team at a hugely exciting time for the Blue Oval. Ford is now completing its first season of a four-year commitment to the championship, and initial testing of the new Focus RS WRC will start shortly. Our test programme will continue on November's Rally Australia ahead of the car's full competition debut in Monte Carlo".

Malcom Wilson, BP-Ford World Rally team director feels that Gronholm's "experience of the sport at its highest level will prove invaluable as we continue to develop the new Focus RS WRC."

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