22 April 2002: Peugeot 206 WRC driver Marcus Grönholm won the fifth round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the Cyprus Rally.

The notoriously rough and twisty Cyprus roads offered a challenge until the very last corner. Grönholm started the six scheduled stages just under half a minute behind overnight leader McRae but he soon scalped more than 12secs from that deficit in the opening test alone. McRae then rolled in SS16, handing Marcus a lead of almost 50secs by lunchtime service. He duly picked his way through the worst rocks in the afternoon to secure his second WRC win of the season and boost his drivers’ series lead to 11 points.

The reigning world champion, Richard Burns, had hopes of moving ahead of Tommi Mäkinen during today’s tests. He achieved his goal, but only after an almighty effort in the very last stage. A stunning fastest time and a mistake from the Finn was enough to put Burns into second, and ensure another perfect 16-point manufacturers’ series haul for Peugeot.

The third works 206 WRC driver Harri Rovanperä had Burns in his sights but he wasn’t quite able to match the Englishman’s pace in the opening three stages and he settled for fourth at the finish.

The team’s fourth driver, Gilles Panizzi, finished a creditable tenth as he continued to pick up further experience of both the Cyprus stages and a World Rally Car on loose surfaces.

©2002irishcar.com