Gronholm admits to Ford talks.

With the Peugeot team pulling out of the World Rally Championship at the end of the season, double WRC champion Marcus Gronholm has admitted that he has spoken to Ford about a possible drive with the team for 2006.

Having competed in selected WRC events throughout the 1990's as a privateer, Gronholm joined Peugeot in 1999 and has gone on to take 16 victories and two titles in his time with the French team - although the last two seasons have been less rewarding for the Finn following the switch from the hugely successful 206 WRC to the 307 WRC, with a single victory on Rally Finland last season his only win since the introduction of the new car.

That run of form has seen Gronholm appear increasingly frustrated at being unable to challenge at the front, with suggestions made that the 37-year-old may elect to hang up his helmet at the end of the season and bring the curtain down on a glittering career.

The rumour mill has also suggested that Suzuki could be interested in bringing in an experienced figure like Gronholm to lead the team when it makes the step up the WRC proper - although the Japanese manufacturer has not yet announced when that will take place - but Gronholm himself has now admitted that talks have taken place with Ford about a seat for next season, making a drive with Suzuki, or indeed retirement, look less likely.

"If I have the right equipment I am still capable of winning," Gronholm told rallye-magazin.de. "Ok, I have had two bad years, but if I get a good offer I will continue racing.

"I have spoken with [Ford team boss] Malcolm Wilson. We have already negotiated once back in 1998 and have spoken again now but there is nothing to publish. Perhaps in August..."

With Citroen also pulling out at the end of the season, Sebastien Loeb, Marrko Martin and Francois Duval will all need to find alternative drives for 2006 - meaning four of the top drivers in the sport could be fighting for just two 'top' seats, one at Ford and one at Subaru with Toni Gardemeister expected to be kept on at Ford and Petter Solberg safe in his seat at Subaru.