Grönholm, together with co-driver Timo Rautiainen, claimed victory in the Monaco-based event after three days of competition in treacherous ice and snow in the French Alps.

The tandem’s win is their 19th world rally victory, but their very first on asphalt. It is also Ford’s first Rallye Monte Carlo victory since 1994.

BP-Ford teammates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen finished seventh in another Focus RS as Ford powered into the lead of the manufacturers’ standings after the first of the 16 rounds.

Grönholm spent much of the opening leg chasing after reigning champion Sebastian Loeb in the lead Kronos Total Citroenrun Xsara WRC.

When the Frenchman crashed, however, Grönholm was handed a comfortable lead, which he then controlled to the end of an event characterized by exceptionally tricky conditions which frequently varied between dry asphalt, wet asphalt, snow and ice.

According to Grönhaolm, Rallye Monte Carlo had been a difficult rally and was clearly relieved to have reached the end of the final stage of the rallye with only knee problems.

He disclosed that he had been experiencing pain in his right knee because the pedal positions are not yet set up perfectly for him.

"I was not pushing at all," he said after completing the final stage. "We had a big vibration and there was smoke in the car. We were really afraid and took the boost off. The win is fantastic. When Loeb went off, I just controlled my pace. But with him in contention, it would have been very difficult," Grönholm added.

Ford Team RS director Jost Capito watched with delight as Grönholm and Rautiainen celebrated on the finish podium.

"This result is more than we hoped for," he said. "We knew the new Focus RS WRC would be good but we didn’t forecast that we would conquer one of the toughest rallies in the championship on our first full competitive event with a new car and driver line-up."

BP-Ford team director Malcolm Wilson described the result as ‘one of the best wins of my career.’ "It’s an incredible feeling. It is out of character for Marcus to drive the way he has done to preserve the lead. It has been difficult for him because he had to be so careful. This result is for the team that has designed and developed the Focus RS and I hope this win is the first of many," he said.