Martin finally confirmed at Peugeot.
Markko Martin has finally been announced as a Peugeot driver for the 2005 World Rally Championship campaign, confirming speculation that has been circulating for some time.
The Estonian will partner former world champion Marcus Gr?nholm in the Peugeot line-up, ousting the handful of drivers that shared the second car in 2004. Martin will continue to be partnered by English co-driver Michael Park.
Markko Martin has finally been announced as a Peugeot driver for the 2005 World Rally Championship campaign, confirming speculation that has been circulating for some time.
The Estonian will partner former world champion Marcus Gr?nholm in the Peugeot line-up, ousting the handful of drivers that shared the second car in 2004. Martin will continue to be partnered by English co-driver Michael Park.
The 29-year old finished third in this year's WRC drivers' championship, and increased his win tally to five with back-to-back successes on tarmac in Italy and France. His deal with Peugeot takes him from the Ford team that has been his home for the past three seasons, but sees no problem in switching camps for what is expected to be Peugeot's last year in the WRC.
"Despite this agreement being limited to just one year, I am very happy to be joining Peugeot Sport - and am looking forward to having Marcus as team-mate," he said, "We get on well together and I have a great deal of respect for him. I believe he is still the fastest driver in the championship.
"My main objective will be to work closely with both Marcus and the team to enhance the competitiveness of the Peugeot 307 WRC and to play my part in securing the manufacturers' and drivers' titles."
Gr?nholm remains a key part of Peugeot Sport's line-up, despite his obvious frustration with the reliability of the 307 WRC in 2004. The 36-year old Finn has been with the team for the past six years, winning the world title in both 2000 and 2002.
The two drivers are friends and Gronholm is looking forward to forming a new partnership with Martin in 2005.
"Markko is a first class recruit," the Finn confided, "He has shown that he is very strong on all types of surface, and that is very important for Peugeot's bid to secure the manufacturers' championship in 2005. I am certain his arrival in the team will ensure a serene, cordial atmosphere."
After a disappointing 2004 campaign, Peugeot also confirmed that it would contest next season on Pirelli tyres.
