Grönholm takeson VW test role

Double world champion Marcus Grönholm has joined Volkswagen Motorsport as a test driver to assist with the further development of its Polo R WRC.

The Finn’s role is likely to include work on the 2015 car, which will make its WRC debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo next January, but which could be seen at non-championship events later this season.

Grönholm drove the Polo R for the first time during a gravel test at Fontjoncouse in southern France earlier this month and will join the team at selected future tests.

Double world champion Marcus Grönholm

Grönholm, 46, said: “I am really looking forward to testing and having the chance to work on the further development of what is currently the best rally car out there – the Polo R WRC.”

Team director Jost Capito said of the appointment: “Marcus is one of the most successful and talented rally drivers around, and will support us with the further development of the Polo R WRC. Thanks to his in-depth understanding of technical aspects and his analytical skills, he will be able to provide our engineers with valuable input.”

After becoming a works driver relatively late in life, Grönholm won the drivers’ title at Peugeot in 2000 and 2002. He then worked with Capito at Ford where they won back-to-back manufacturers’ world titles in 2006 and 2007.

He is second in the all-time WRC winners’ list with 30 victories from 152 starts.