Hirvonen wins Monte Carlo

Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Fiesta Super 2000) won the Rally Monte-Carlo, after having held the lead in the general classification at the end of each of the special stages. Although he only achieved three scratches, the vice-world champion was impeccable, making the Ford Fiesta S2000 triumph on its first outing.

Dominant at the start of the event, the Finn then had to deal with the rapid return of Sébastien Ogier (Peugeot 207 S2000), well on its way to pushing ?Hirvo? in its last entrenchments. But a recalcitrant alternator belt got the better of the Frenchman's hopes, who will therefore not achieve the double.

Mikko Hirvonen was therefore able to let go of the pedal in the last special, taking advantage of a success that held out his arms to him. “ It is no longer part of the calendar WRC but this rally remains a monument, declared the Finn at the end of the special. It is a great joy to win it. I have to dedicate my victory to my team, who did an excellent job. All the tire choices paid off. Everything worked fine. For a new car, it?s reassuring to see that it works so well. »

The Finn finished ahead of two Skoda Fabia S2000s, the Peugeot being chased off the podium, even though they had monopolized it in 2009 (Ogier – Loix – Sarrazin). Juho Hänninen, consistent during the event, inherited second place, finishing ahead of Nicolas Vouilloz, not spared by setbacks but who was able to take advantage of the abandonments of his rivals. Stéphane Sarrazin finished fourth and first Peugeot driver, behind two Skodas and in front? two Skodas. Jan Kopecky and Guy Wilks complete the top 6 and give great exposure to the Czech cars, which proved reliable during this demanding rally.

Peugeot completes the top 8 with the 207 S2000s of Bruno Magalhaes and Jean-Sébastien Vigion. In two-wheel drive, Kris Princen (Renault Clio R3) finished in first place as well as eleventh overall. The Belgian, after his victory in the 2009 Renault Clio West European Trophy, won the first round of the 2010 European Trophy, ahead of Pierre Campana and Thomas Barral.