Backer hopes Gronholm will return

Gronholm finished 21st on his first World Rally Championship outing in more than a year, but the Finn's return to a Ford Focus RS WRC was spoiled after an electrical problem and a puncture cost him 20 minutes on an event he has won five times in the past.

Finnish entrepreneur Therman, who drove in a sister Ford to that of Gronholm and finished 24th, said he would be talking to Gronholm about the future.

"This deal came together very late," said Therman. "Yes, I would like to help Marcus again, but this is not something we have discussed. When it comes to the future it's a big question mark and if you ask Marcus he would say: 'Maybe'. We'll see.

"The sponsorship wasn't totally down to me, there were some other companies as well, but if Marcus wants to do this again then I'd be more than happy to help try to find some more money."

Gronholm remained tight-lipped about whether he would return. There was much speculation that he would compete on this year's Rally Finland - but Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson thinks that is unlikely.

"It would be great to see Marcus back out again," said Wilson, "but I don't think it'll be Finland. I remember talking to him after his last [Finnish] event, when he won in 2007 and I think he was pretty happy to leave on a record-breaking seventh win.

"I could see him doing some other gravel rallies, though, we'll just have to wait and see what he thinks - but definitely, it was great to have him back."