Marcus Gronholm, one of the greatest legends in the World Rally Championship (WRC), has just made a statement that has caught the attention of fans worldwide. In the WRC Backstories podcast, the 58-year-old Finn revealed that he would not rule out returning to the WRC in a completely different capacity: as a team principal.
Gronholm, who retired from full-time WRC duty at the end of the 2007 season, has never really strayed far from the world of motorsport. He remains active in various series, including rallycross, and has been closely involved in the career of his son, Niclas Gronholm. He has also served as a manager for several promising young drivers. However, when asked about his remaining ambitions in motorsport, his answer pointed to a role rarely associated with him.
When asked what he would still like to do in racing, Gronholm himself raised the possibility that a team principal role in the WRC could interest him. "If somebody asked me, I would consider it. But again, travelling... but there is not so much travelling, so OK," he said with a smile, as quoted by RallyJournal.
That said, Gronholm did not mention any concrete offer already on the table. He simply made it clear that the idea would not be out of the question if the right opportunity came along. His experience as a driver certainly provides a solid foundation—he secured two world titles and 30 WRC rally wins during his career. He also has hands-on experience running a team in the World Rallycross Championship, including handling finances and securing sponsors.
"I was looking after the money and trying to do the sponsor things," Gronholm recalled of his role as a team boss. He admitted to enjoying the job, especially when his efforts to secure partners paid off. However, he was also honest about the other side of the coin—if the budget ran out mid-season, he had to find funds for the remaining events somehow.
Gronholm's ambitions in motorsport are still burning bright. His son, Niclas, is currently competing in the Finnish Rally Championship, but a return to rallycross remains a possibility. "We still have a dream. If the World Rallycross Championship comes back, we would like to have a car with which he can win the title," he said.
This year, the World Rallycross Championship is not taking place. Instead, the FIA has organized the European Rallycross Championship. This situation might be why Gronholm's dream of returning to the WRC as a team boss feels more alive than ever.
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