Gronholm turns down WRC comeback
Double world champion Marcus Gronholm has turned down the offer of a drive in the Stobart Ford team in Rally New Zealand next week
Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson contacted Gronholm in the wake of Gigi Galli's accident on Rallye Deutschland, which has ruled the Italian out for the rest of the season.
Gronholm considered the offer, made on Sunday, and declined it last night.
"I've retired," said Gronholm. "I'm not that keen on the idea. It's not about it being a 2007 car, Francois Duval's third place [in Germany] shows these cars are still competitive."
Wilson said he completely understood the Finn's decision, but added that he now had no firm idea who would be taking Galli's place in Hamilton.
"There's a long list," he said. "I need to sit down and think about things."
Francois Duval and former Subaru factory driver Xevi Pons are thought to be near the top of the list, although Brits Guy Wilks and Barry Clark are also in the frame.
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