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Mikko Hirvonen among WRC Rally winners

Rally driver Mikko Hirvonen, 26, supported by Ponsse, finally broke into the world elite of rally drivers during the 2006 season. Mikko took his first ever WRC Rally victory in Australia in November. The sweet win was a dream come true.

”It was wonderful to keep the World Champion Petter Solberg behind me and take the top podium spot and to listen to the Finnish national anthem while on the other side of the world. The victory gave me a great confidence boost,” says Mikko, reflecting on his first win.

For the driver from Kannonkoski the season was a success in many other ways. Mikko reached the podium a total of eight times – one win, two second-place and four third-place finishes. These positions helped Mikko to take the third place in the WRC series.

In addition to personal success, Mikko played an important role as Ford won the Manufacturers’ Championship. Ford’s Championship was entirely achieved by Finns as the first driver in the team is the two-time World Champion Marcus Grönholm.

One high moment for Mikko and his co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen was the podium finish at their home rally in Jyväskylä in August. The third place was an emotional moment both inside the car and among those close to Mikko.

”Ever since I was a little boy my dream has been to finish on the podium in a home rally. Now that it has come true, I felt simply tremendous. The success was particularly magnificent as I was surrounded by all of my relatives, friends and acquaintances,” says Mikko, describing the feelings aroused by the race in Jyväskylä.

Technical problems slowed Mikko’s pace during the early season but the results were impressive once everything started to work properly. A podium finish started to become a habit and Mikko proved to be one of the top drivers.

Mikko has turned into a true professional in rally driving. An ever larger part of a rally driver’s work is spent elsewhere than behind the wheel. Mikko and Jarmo are no strangers to PR and representation work. They have carried out these tasks with style in Finland and abroad.
The WRC series 2007 will start in Monte Carlo on 18 January. However, there are still many tests and PR events before then. But that is the work of a rally professional.

Mikko Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen wish all of Ponsse’s customers and partners a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year!