In a candid statement during the route announcement event for the Finnish World Rally Championship, two-time world champion Marcus Grönholm shared his discomfort with the expectations placed on drivers to engage with fans, particularly during high-stress moments of competition. He recalled the pressure he faced from fans demanding autographs while he was focused on the rally, stating that he disliked the interruption to his concentration during races.

Grönholm's comments highlight a tension that exists in motorsports between maintaining a connection with fans and the intense competitive environment drivers operate in. He reflected on how the importance of social interaction, like signing autographs, seems to have overtaken the core aspects of driving and racing. This shift in focus could have broader implications for how future drivers balance their public persona with their performance on the track.

The former champion suggested that there is a more appropriate time for fan interactions outside the immediate context of racing, emphasizing the need to respect the drivers' focus during events. Grönholm's perspective raises important questions about the expectations of professional athletes and the evolving nature of fan engagement in the realm of sports, as they navigate their roles both as competitors and public figures.