Gronhom 'to go all out' in NZ rally

Citroen's Loeb closed the gap on the Finn to eight points after victory in the German Rally earlier this month, but Gronholm relishes the conditions in New Zealand, where he will be aiming for a record fifth victory.

"I like the roads here," the Ford driver said. "They are a lot like we have at home in Finland, and that has always made it very enjoyable here.

"Eight points is not so many. So my aim is to go all out for the win here, and of course we cannot make a mistake."

Gronholm, seeking his third world title after wins in 2000 and 2002, said the record was not foremost in his mind, but maximum points were.

"You know it would be very nice. But I have not really thought about it. I am first needing to concentrate on winning."

Loeb, winner of the rally two years ago, is wary of Gronholm's strengths on the dusty surfaces but is eager to maintain a manageable gap after New Zealand ahead of the final five rallies of the season, three of which are on his preferred tarmac surface.

"I won a lot of rallies at the start of the season on gravel," said Loeb, who is chasing a fourth world title in a row.

"It is a fast rally and I know Marcus is fast here. But last year I had a big fight with him in similar conditions.

"If I beat Marcus here then for sure it will be for the victory because he is fighting every rally at the first place. The most important thing for me in New Zealand is to try to beat him.

"If not then it is important to keep in contact and not lose too much to Marcus."

Citroen trail Ford by 41 points in the constructors' standings after Loeb's win in Germany.

The rally starts with a traditional shakedown on Thursday before the first five of the 18 full stages gets underway on Friday. There are six stages on Saturday and the concluding seven on Sunday.