Gronholm's son to make World RX debut

Niclas Gronholm, son of two-time World Rally champion Marcus, is set to make his World Rallycross Championship debut this year at Holjes in Sweden, driving a Ford Fiesta Supercar. The 18-year-old Finn will contest the Finnish Rallycross Championship alongside his World RX appearance and three events in the Swedish Rallycross Championship this season.

"I'm very enthusiastic about the upcoming season," said Gronholm. "The car, equipment and whole package is strong.

"In Finland, the aim is to win the Finnish championship. In Sweden, the level is higher, so we'll see what the pace is like there. Things have moved quickly in arranging the Supercar plans, so experience is still quite limited. Now it is important to do testing and get a good feeling in the car before the season opener.

"My father has given me some advice, but the most important thing is to get myself the experience and to drive as much as possible."

The second generation Finn made his international rallycross debut last year in the RX Lites Cup at the Finnish round of World RX and finished on the podium in the single-make category.

Gronholm Sr, who will oversee his son's program, said: "Let's see first what Niclas' level is, and talk about goals later. My expectations are those of his team owner, rather than those of his father. We are however serious, and the car should be competitive."

The young Finn will race an OMSE built Fiesta, previously used by fellow Finns Toomas Heikkinen and Joni Wiman in the American-based Global Rallycross Championship.

Originally on Autosport.com