Gronholm planning cautious start

The January climate traditionally causes difficulties on the opening round of the season, and Gronholm is focused on starting 2007 with a solid points haul.

"I want to win but I'm not going crazy for victory," said the Ford driver. "You can never drive flat out in Monte Carlo because road conditions are so unpredictable."

Gronholm won the event on his debut for Ford last year, but he is prepared to settle for a podium finish this time.

"It's much better to finish second or third than risk everything pushing for a win in changing conditions," he said.

The Finn believes that tyres and weather forecasts will be vital for the rally, which features one of the longest stages in the entire championship.

"Tyres are always so important," he said. "The weather on the stages can change so quickly, and can also be entirely different from that in the service park, so it's important to have the best weather forecasts and information."