Gronholm to retire at end of 2007

The 39-year-old Finn won the WRC title with Peugeot in 2000 and 2002, and currently leads this year's standings by 10 points over Sebastien Loeb.

"Over 20 years of rallying has given me a lot and I've always dreamed of ending my career on its top," Gronholm said in a statement on his personal website.

"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 driver to reach their dreams - like I have done."

Gronholm made his first WRC start in 1989 but did not contest a full season until he joined Peugeot's works squad in 2000.

He proceeded to win that year's title and has been at the forefront of the series ever since - taking 30 victories and winning a second title in 2002. He has spent the last two seasons with Ford after Peugeot withdrew from the WRC.

His co-driver Timo Rautiainen has announced that he will also retire from the sport when Gronholm stops rallying.

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

"I have had privilege and honour to experience ups and downs of Gronholm's career and gain two World Rally Championship titles with him.

"Now it's also my time to step down and watch how legendary rally driver joins his fellow the company of retired 'Flying Finn' rally drivers like Tommi Makinen, Juha Kankkunen, Markku Alen, Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatanen."