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Hirvonen takes the lead of the WRC drivers’ championship

10 February 2008

Mikko Hirvonen has made a flying start as Ford’s number one driver this season. Second place in both the Monte Carlo and Swedish rallies put him to the lead of the WRC drivers. He leads Jari-Matti Latvala, and Sebastien Loeb who share the second and third places, by 6 points.

Hirvonen went to Sweden with hopes of winning the rally. His place as the second car on the opening day led to his speed dropping off on the softened roads. Battling against Jari-Matti Latvala, who started off from a good position and after a great race and took the lead, was not ideal after the first day, especially after WRC series favourite Loeb dropped out.

As a result of his victory, the 22-year-old Latvala became the youngest driver to win a world rally. Hirvonen, 27, is not too old himself. His target for this season is the World Championship.
- Jari-Matti and I may be just two young lads but we proved that we can still claim a 1-2 finish and showed how strong the Ford team is," Hirvonen said.

Second place was not a disappointment for Hirvonen as this was the first time in his rally career that he has ever taken the leadof the WRC drivers' championship.
-  I'm sure I will have more battles with Jari-Matti. I was frustrated I couldn't find a rhythm on Friday. After Loeb dropped out I eased my pace because I wanted to make sure of the points, said Hirvonen.
- I've always said that if I can't win this year, I must finish second and that's what I did, said Hirvonen, explaining his strategy.

BP Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson was also satisfied.
- Mikko delivered a textbook performance, said Wilson, thanking Hirvonen who kept his cool on the Saturday and Sunday legs.

The WRC Rally series will continue in February-March with the Rally of Mexico.