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Mikko Hirvonen seventh in Monte Carlo

Mikko Hirvonen finished seventh in the first WRC Rally of the season in Monte Carlo this weekend. This year’s competition was particularly colourful due to very challenging conditions. The Ford team celebrated the victory of Marcus Grönholm, which also pleased Hirvonen.

”Seventh place was not what we were looking for. With better luck and without the technical problems we might have been able to finish fourth of fifth. We were able to drive through the route, which is very important,” says Hirvonen, assessing his three-day effort in the coastal Alps.

The Ford World Rally Team driver Hirvonen and his co-pilot Jarmo Lehtinen, as well as other drivers, had to compromise over their tyre selections.

“The tyre choice for the Friday morning went wrong and we lost time. Driving with smooth slicks on ice is wild,” says Hirvonen, describing his tyre choice.

”In some stages we were right up on Marcus’ pace, which gives us confidence for the future,” says Hirvonen.

In addition to tyre choices, Hirvonen faced a few technical problems. On the opening day, the electronics of Mikko’s Ford caused failure to the operation of the handbrake. The use of the handbrake switched on the starting system and Mikko’s pace slowed down several times. On Saturday, there were problems in the transmission and Hirvonen had to change gears manually.

”The team got a fine start to the season through Marcus’ victory. It provides us all with a good starting point for the Rally of Sweden in two weeks time. In Sweden we will finish in the top five,” says a determined Hirvonen.

Next competition: Sweden, 3-5 February