Marcus Gronholm driving a 2006 Ford WRC Focus RS has started the season with a win at Monte Carlo and is currently leading in Sweden. The impressive new car is just the tool for the former champion to challenge Sebastien Loeb.

Ford is pinning its hopes for a championship on the new Focus and the former 2-time world champion. This is a great combination to challenge Citroen and Sebastien Loeb. Sebastien and Citroen are tough competitors and Ford will have to work hard to win the 2006 championship.

The car designers have put a premium on handling, weight reduction and weight distribution. With tight WRC rules concerning power output the team has concentrated on innovative ways to improve the overall performance and handling of the car.

It is unfortunate that the 2006 WRC season is not being televised on Speed TV. I consider WRC one of the most exciting racing series on the planet and not being able to watch it is quite maddening. If Speed can televise lawn mower and school bus racing why not WRC?

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