Gronholm linked to Mini WRC drive

27th July 2010

By Giles Wade

Mini’s announcement of its return to world rallying offered no clues about its potential driver line-up but double world champion Marcus Gronholm is already in the frame for one of the factory seats.

It is understood Mini’s partner Prodrive will field two works cars initially with two further factory-blessed machines being run by customer outfits.

Gronholm, who drove a Prodrive-run Subaru Impreza WRC2008 on Rally de Portugal in 2009, revealed to Autosport magazine that he had spoken to Prodrive about joining Mini’s WRC bid.

“There was some contact a while ago,” Gronholm told Autosport. “I might be interested. I would have to think. It’s tough for the whole season again, but maybe it would be good to be involved in testing and some rallies.”

Markko Martin is another possible candidate. The Estonian carried out the test and development work of the Impreza WRC2008 and said recently he was keen on a return to competition.

Other drivers linked to the project include Norwegian youngster Mads Ostberg, a long-term Prodrive customer, and Briton Kris Meeke, who is defending his Intercontinental Rally Challenge title in a Peugeot UK-backed 207.