Hirvonen wanted to ensure

Mikko Hirvonen, leader of Rally Monte-Carlo since the first special, must now deal with the extreme motivation of Sébastien Ogier. Despite losing twenty seconds to the Frenchman in the morning, the vice-world rally champion is convinced that he can maintain his advantage.

For the Finn, the result of SS11 is not to be taken into account. “ There was snow in this stage and I didn't want to take any risks so I went cautiously and slowed my pace while preserving the lead I had. », Commented the driver of the Ford Fiesta S2000, a car which is making its first official outing in competition.