Peugeot tops shakedown
The all-new Peugeot 307 WRC got off to a flying start by setting the fastest time on the shakedown for the Monte Carlo Rally, which starts tomorrow (Friday)
Gronholm completed the test in 6m10.2s, just a tenth faster than Ford's Francois Duval. After the shakedown, Gronholm's Peugeot team-mate Freddy Loix said: "I am sure we are ready. The car is improving all the time."
Duval was also upbeat about his chances: "I like the Monte. A top five finish would be good. I just want to finish as many rallies as possible this year."
Local hero Sebastien Loeb was third fastest, just ahead of his 2003 WRC title nemesis Petter Solberg. Markko Martin (Ford) and Subaru newboy Mikko Hirvonen completed the top six. The new Mitsubishis struggled, however, with Gilles Panizzi and Gigi Galli well off the pace.
Tomorrow's stages are reportedly very cold and snow covered in many places, so expect the fireworks to start early when the event kicks off at 8.48 GMT (7.48 local time). Autosport.com will bring you regular updates of what's happening, plus news of any major events as they happen.
1 Marcus Gronholm (Peugeot) 6m10.2s
2 Francois Duval (Ford) 6m10.3s
3 Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) 6m11.4s
4 Petter Solberg (Subaru) 6m11.8s
5 Markko Martin (Ford) 6m14.0s
6 Mikko Hirvonen (Subaru) 6m16.1s
7 Carlos Sainz (Citroen) 6m17.7s
8 Freddy Loix (Peugeot) 6m20.1s
9 Gilles Panizzi (Mitsubishi) 6m33.1s
10 Gigi Galli (Mitsubishi) 6m51.7s
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