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Hirvonen to join the Ford World Rally Team

Mikko Hirvonen continues his career in the WRC series as a Ford World Rally Team driver. Hirvonen’s contract covers 2+2 seasons. The 25-year-old driver from Jyväskylä is very pleased with his new contract.

“This contract is a dream come true. It is great to return to a familiar team,” says Hirvonen. In 2003 Hirvonen drove in the Ford World Rally Team, and last season he drove a private team’s Ford Focus WRC.

”The contract negotiations were somewhat demanding but the solution became easier because Ford wanted Mikko to join the team,” says Hirvonen’s manager Timo Jouhki, describing the negotiations.

Next season, Ford will purely rely on Finnish drivers because Hirvonen’s team mate will be the two-time World Champion Marcus Grönholm.

”I am eagerly looking forward to working with Grönholm. I respect him as a driver and believe that I can learn something from him,” says Hirvonen, commenting on his experienced team mate. Jarmo Lehtinen will continue as Hirvonen’s co-pilot.

Ford introduced the new Focus RS WRC in the Rally of Australia. Hirvonen has had the opportunity to become familiar with the car and believes it is a competitive package. Next season’s objectives are clear.

“The objective is to drive as steady a season as possible and fight for podium finishes,” states a determined Hirvonen.