Marcus Gronholm fears he lost the title today

Marcus Gronholm experienced a tough first day in Japan. The Finn had a major accident in the 4th stage by hitting a tree in a poorly negotiated turn.

He admits his mistake but considers himself lucky to still be alive to retire at the end of the season. He indeed admits that his crash could have cost him his life…

« The accident was similar to the one in Australia when I went off the track and hit several tree trunks… » He indicated. « That cost me the title then… which I hope will not be the case this year. »

Certainly, the championship remains open no matter the outcome of this rally, but it might become more complicated now.

The 39-year-old Finn highlighted what may have caused his mistake. Gronholm indeed changed his notes during the reconnaissance on this turn on Thursday. He was thus surprised by the turn, which he admits he did not anticipate in that way.

« It is faster this year because some trees have been cut down. The section has been covered with gravel and everything was much more slippery. »

« So I skidded too wide and hit some bales of straw, which bounced me onto a tree trunk on the other side of the road. »

The Finn admits that the impact was terrible, but both the driver and the co-pilot are doing very well.

« The impact was hard, especially on my door. »

Loeb only needs to finish fourth in Japan this weekend to take the lead in the championship. With a current second position, he would have a 4-point lead over Gronholm, with two rallies remaining before the end of the season.