Marcus Grönholm drove Peugeot cars to both of his WRC drivers’ titles. He won the championship in 2000 and 2002 at the wheel of the Peugeot 206 WRC, establishing himself as one of the leading drivers of the early 2000s.
Grönholm’s first title was a surprise to many observers. In his first full WRC season, he won four rallies, including events in Sweden, New Zealand, Finland, and Australia, and defeated Subaru driver Richard Burns in the championship standings. Peugeot’s compact, front-engine 206 WRC proved highly competitive on gravel.
His 2001 title defence was disrupted by mechanical failures and mistakes, leaving him fourth in the standings. He returned strongly in 2002, winning five rallies and taking his second crown. Grönholm later moved to Ford, where he drove the Focus RS WRC, so his complete WRC career included more than one manufacturer; however, both of his titles came with Peugeot.