Grönholm revealed on Thursday that he is stepping away from rallycross, despite finishing runner-up in the World Championship last season. The third-generation motorsport competitor has previously prioritised rallycross, with rallying serving as a supporting discipline.
Read more: Brutal decision: WorldRX runner-up Niclas Grönholm steps away from the sport
From now on, however, Grönholm will concentrate fully on special stages. He will begin his campaign in the Finnish Rally Championship on Saturday, with Samu Vaaleri reading the notes.
Marcus Grönholm claimed four Finnish rally titles during his own career. His father, Ulf, was also a two-time Finnish champion.
“It means a lot to see Niclas and the Grönholm name once again competing in the Finnish Rally Championship. As we saw last year, Niclas’ speed and consistency really sealed his position as one of the FRC’s strongest competitors,” Marcus Grönholm said.
“In 2025, he enjoyed the best season he’s ever had as a driver, and we have all the ingredients in place to improve on what he achieved in 2026,” he added.
Niclas Grönholm has been given an updated version of the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 for this season. His preparation work ahead of the campaign has been so intensive that even his father has been taken aback.
“During the winter, Niclas dug deep and prepared harder than I’ve ever seen him prepare for a season. In fact, I barely spoke to him, as he was always out doing this and that with the new car and Samu,” Marcus Grönholm described.
The 29-year-old Grönholm will contest all seven rounds of the Finnish Rally Championship this year. Further outings may also be on the cards, as his release stated:
“Regarding whether Grönholm will compete in any championships beyond FRC in 2026, GRX will announce the news if and when the time comes.”
The FRC season gets under way on Saturday with the Mikkeli Rally.
