2009 Ford Fiesta Pikes Peak Rallycross Pictures, Specifications, Information

As a two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Gr�nholm seen just about everything in a rally course... until he came to Pikes Peak.

Gronholm drove his production based Ford Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution to second in the �Unlimited Class� and fifth fastest time overall in the 87th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb here Sunday. Gr�nholm captured Pikes Peak Rookie of the Year honors as he posted a run of 11:28.963 up the 12.4-mile, 156-turn course which runs up the famed Pikes Peak Highway.

Gr�nholm fought not only the high altitude and diverse road and weather conditions of the famed course�s 14,000 feet of elevation, but he battled a mechanical issue with the turbo charger on his 800-horsepower Fiesta rallycross car that resulted in a power reduction during the crucial final climb to the top.

�I always wanted to compete at Pikes Peak,� said Gr�nholm. �Having been here the last week I have to admit that it is one of the most challenging events I have ever done in my career. The handling of the Fiesta is absolutely fantastic, and the BFGoodrich tires were great. Unfortunately we had a few small problems today. I lost some power during the last few kilometers, but I was determined to finish. The Fiesta has the potential to beat the 10-minute record. If I come back I know what we need to do to be fastest.�

Andreas Eriksson�s first trip to Pikes Peak was cut short when in Engineer�s Corner (2 mile mark) when two tires slipped off their rim and sent the Olsbergs MSE Fiesta off course where it clipped a tree and sustained damage to the rear wing. The DNF brought an end to a frustrating introduction for Eriksson to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

�I am disappointed because the car was handling fantastic through the early portion of the course,� said Eriksson. �Overall it has been a tough week. We had a lot of challenges, but we learned a lot and I know what I need to do now to come back and be fastest. Now we turn our attention to the X Games and getting the Fiestas ready for Tanner [Foust], Brian [Deegan] and Kenny [Brack} so that we can go to LA and bring home a win.�

�While it is still a year until the Ford Fiesta comes to America it was a great opportunity to showcase the versatility and performance capabilities of the Fiesta at one of the most challenging motorsports events in the world,� said Jost Capito, Ford Motor Company Director of Global Motorsports Business Development. �The Olsbergs MSE team did an outstanding job competing at Pikes Peak for the first time and now they have an opportunity to campaign their Fiestas at the X Games.�