Gronholm first at home in Rally of Finland

Marcus Gronholm won the Rally of Finland on home soil yesterday after steering clear of danger with a cautious drive through the final day. His victory, ahead of defending champion Sebastien Loeb, was Ford driver Gronholm's sixth in seven years in his home event and his fourth win this year.

Gronholm took command of the rally on Saturday when he and Loeb both hit the same rock. Gronholm survived the incident, but Loeb wrecked a tyre and knew he had lost his chance to win.

"My car was just perfect throughout the rally. It was really a good rally for me, and the team," Gronholm said after finishing more than a minute clear of Loeb.

Loeb, who has a 31-point lead over Gronholm in this year's championship, was happy to settle for second.

"This is one of the rallies I have never won and it is one of the most fitting rallies for the championship," Loeb said. "I was able to push Marcus before the puncture, but second - it's ok... I hope I can beat Marcus one year here though!"

Gronholm's Ford team-mate and compatriot Mikko Hirvonen enjoyed his chance to impress yesterday and won all four special stages to take third place.

He said: "I just can't describe how good it feels, and it was my dream to be on the podium at home and now I have got it."