Ford back in business

You only had to see the joy of the Ford drivers, Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen, on the podium to realize that these two had come a long way. Since the start of the season, there was only one for world champion Sébastien Loeb and his five victories in as many events. On Sunday at the Olbia service park, all eyes were on the team led by Malcolm Wilson after Jari-Matti Latvala's victory on the Sardinian roads. “ Last season I finished third here and I told myself I wanted to come back and win this year », declared the winner of the day.

The Finn, in the lead from start to finish, did not give up and was able to keep the pack at bay throughout his three days of racing. He also knew how to ignore his opening position on the road which should have been unfavorable to him because of the sweep. But Latvala benefited from advantageous conditions on Sunday morning when a combination of no wind and low sun disrupted his pursuers. “ During the first special, I had to brake a lot in certain places because we couldn't even see a meter away. (because of the dust),” declared his teammate Hirvonen.

Latvala: “You’ve seen the new Jari-Matti”

Whatever the case, Latvala achieved the second success of his career in Sardinia after Sweden in 2008. Above all, this comes at the right time after a difficult start to the season. Indeed, with a series of road trips and other blunders, Latvala had not started the 2009 season in the best possible way. I was starting to question my role in this team but I proved that the team was right to trust me and I thank Malcolm Wilson for that. », justified the native of Toysa. “ You saw the new Jari-Matti here », he added.

By placing second, Mikko Hirvonen allowed Ford to achieve the double, the first since Japan in 2008, and take 10 points from Citroën in the Manufacturers' championship. “ I have no more energy and have never felt so tired after a rally “, he declared. “ This result is perfect for Ford. We had prepared well for the rally and the work accomplished paid off on this event », he hastened to add.

The final word went to Mark Deans, director of Ford Motorsport Europe. “ We are back to a level where we are not just racing but where we can beat our rivals. We have a big mountain to climb in the championship but we are back on top and that is a big step forward. »