IRC: Gronholm to drive Focus in Portugal.

Two-time world rally champion, Marcus Gronholm will drive a Ford Focus RS WRC car on the Vodafone Rally Portugal, the second round in the 2008 Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Gronholm, who retired at the end of last season, however won't be competing on the event, instead he will drive the 'zero' car, in the colours of Vodafone, Turismo de Portugal and the ACP.

"It's an honour coming back to Portugal to co-operate with a high level organisation on one of the best rallies of the world," he told the event's official website.

"My participation driving the competitive Ford Focus WRC will help essentially to prepare the spectators to the coming of the rally cars.

"But I can also guarantee that I will put on a great show for them."

The Algarve-based event, which runs from May 9-10, is due to return to the FIA World Rally Championship next year.