Ford full of optimism for title battle

Marcus Gronholm extended his lead in the drivers' championship to nine points as he took his second consecutive victory, while Ford are now 28 points ahead of Citroen in the manufacturers' standings.

Citroen's championship challenge has lost some momentum in recent weeks, after Sebastien Loeb crashed out of the lead in Italy, and then struggled to find the right set-up for his C4 last weekend in Greece.

"It's a huge confidence boost to take two wins before the summer break," said Gronholm. "We're able to fight with Loeb, and maybe he's not so comfortable any more."

Loeb had won three consecutive rallies before he crashed out in Italy, and he now has two months before he can try to reverse his fortunes in the championship.

Gronholm added: "It's fantastic to go into the summer with a nine-point lead in the drivers' champion and a big lead for the team.

"I can enjoy the holiday now, but I know that the second half of the year won't be easy with four events on asphalt - Sebastien's favourite surface."

Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson believes that the team are now in a very strong position for the second half of the season, which begins with Rally Finland in August.

"Two wins in two rallies takes us into the summer break in the lead of both championships, and I'm confident we can consolidate that in the second half," he said.