Gronholm targets Monte podium

The double champion has not enjoyed the greatest success at the Principality over the years, but he's hoping to start his title defence with a podium finish in this year's event.

"I don't have enough experience of the place [to win]," Gronholm told WRC.com. "But I think it's possible to finish in the top three - that will be my target. We'll have to see though - it's impossible to make any predictions about Monte Carlo."

Gronholm rates the tarmac event as one of his least favourite on the calendar, mainly because of the inclement Alpine winter weather.

"The conditions are unpredictable all the time, so you never know what you're going to get," he said. "Also you have to make your tyre choice two to three hours in advance, so it's easy to end up with something that's completely unsuitable. I think there is a big element of lottery about Monte Carlo - you have to be lucky. It's not all about driving skill.

"It's a very historic event so it's quite important. But it's difficult to get too excited about a rally you don't like. However, if I won it then obviously it would mean a lot to me. Everyone wants to win the Monte Carlo Rally."

The Monte Carlo Rally kicks off the WRC season this Friday, with Leg 1 getting underway at 6.48am BST.

Visit www.autosport.com for Live Rally Timing.