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Mikko Hirvonen’s racing season 2006

In the 2006 season, Mikko Hirvonen and his co-pilot Jarmo Lehtinen went back to the Ford World Rally Team. The season is the first of a three-year contract, providing the best possibility to realistically compete for victories alongside the two-time World Champion and team mate Marcus Grönholm.
Mikko’s season contains a full 16-competition WRC series behind the wheel of a Ford Focus RS WRC ’06.

Monte Carlo - 7th position:

The race took place in difficult and changing conditions. 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 was a disaster for Hirvonen. Driving with slicks on ice is not a fast combination.

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 with the gear box and Hirvonen had to change gears manually.
Sweden - 12th position:

The Rally of Sweden was going well for Hirvonen until an engine problem took away all hope of a place in the top three. On the opening day, Hirvonen was securely in the third place until his Ford’s engine temperature rose too high during the penultimate special stage and he was forced to stop the car.

The team discovered that the belt running the engine’s water pump and generator had cracked and became stuck around the shaft running the water pump.

Hirvonen continued the rally on Saturday with a 10-minute penalty because he was unable to drive two stages on Friday. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old driver from Jyväskylä continued to match the pace of the leading drivers. The engine power had also been reduced in order to secure Mikko’s finish. However, Hirvonen and Lehtinen continued to improve their position.
Mexico - 15th position:

Hirvonen was involved in the fight for the lead until he crashed. Finally, he ended the race in 15th position.

Spain - 9th position:

Hirvonen’s hopes of a podium finish were dashed in the Catalonia Rally on Friday when his Ford’s turbo broke. Hirvonen and his co-pilot Lehtinen fell far behind the lead. Grönholm’s car also faced the same technical problem.

France - 4th position:

Hirvonen achieved his best result of the season so far. He gained one fastest stage time and had a good battle with Daniel Sordo for the third place. Hirvonen was finally able to match the expectations on him.

Argentina - did not finish:

Hirvonen suffered engine failure while in third place.

Italy, Sardinia - 2nd position:

Hirvonen achieved his best position of his entire career. He showed professionalism and mature skill by driving safely to secure the second place resulting in a wonderful performance.

Greece - 3rd position:

Hirvonen continued his strong performances by finishing in third place. Ford’s transmission failed in the finish of the final stage, and Hirvonen and Lehtinen were fortunate to be able to reach the finish line.

Germany - 9th position:

Hirvonen was heading towards fifth place but in the end finished in ninth. The battery in Hirvonen’s car failed and his race ended before the final time control.

Finland - 3rd position:

Hirvonen drove to in tremendous fashion to his first ever podium finish in the WRC Rally in Finland. Subaru-driver Petter Solberg, who was fourth on Friday, tried to attack but the Norwegian tried too hard on Saturday, crashing and leaving Hirvonen with the chance to slow down his pace.
During the final leg of the race on Sunday, Hirvonen capped his performance by driving the fastest stage times in all four special stages.