Gronholm's Ford won the final three stages to seal victory

Ford driver Gronholm was in control of the event throughout despite Frenchman Loeb's Citroen winning the first three stages of the final day on Sunday.

Loeb cut the lead to 14.4 seconds only for his Finnish rival to seal victory by winning the final three stages.

Gronholm won by 30.9secs with Swede Daniel Carlsson's Mitsubishi nearly three minutes back in third place.

Day two report Day one report

Gronholm, who was 38 on Sunday, now leads his fellow double world champion by four points in the standings.

He took control of the rally on the first day when Loeb was penalised 10 seconds for an infringement.

That gave Gronholm a 10.2secs lead at the end of day one, which he extended to 28.1secs with two stages remaining on day two.

But Loeb won the final two tests on the second day and continued his good form into Sunday.

Gronholm, who joined Ford this season after six years with Peugeot, lost nine seconds to his rival with gearbox problems on the Malta 1 stage - four before the end.

But his mechanical problems were fixed, and he immediately stamped his authority back on the event.

"When I came to the end to the end of the stage this morning I was very worried but the team did a fantastic job with the car," Gronholm said.

"This is a nice birthday present, it could not be better. It's been a really good start to the WRC for us."

Results of Swedish Rally, round two of the world championship:

1 Marcus Gronholm (Fin) Ford Focus two hours 45 minutes 35.9 seconds
2 Sebastien Loeb (Fra) Citroen Xsara at 14.4 seconds
3 Daniel Carlsson (Swe) Mitsubishi Lancer 2:38.2
3 Gigi Galli (Ita) Mitsubishi Lancer 2.38.9
5 Janne Tuohino (Fin) Citroen Xsara 4:06.6
6 Thomas Radstrom (Swe) Subaru S10 4:52.7
7 Kosti Katajamaki (Fin) 6:30.5
8 Xevi Pons (Spa) Citroen Xsara 7:24.9