Hirvonen happy, Latvala disappointed

Since SS4 rally from Poland, Mikko Hirvonen knew he had every chance of taking the lead in the world championship standings. A stump on Sébastien’s road Loeb allowed him to be the undisputed leader of the Polish rally, knowing that the Frenchman would not be able to score enough points to protect his leading position.

At the end of the 18 special stages of the weekend, the mission is accomplished for the Finn. He was able to maintain leadership, score ten points for victory and take the lead in the general classification: “ It was my best rally of the season, admits the new leader of WRC. The roads here are fast and narrow, and the crowds provide a great atmosphere. This is the first time that I have won two rallies consecutively. It propels me to the lead of the championship before the rally in my country, in Finland. This weekend was perfect from start to finish. I thought that after Loeb?s mistake, things would be calmer. But no, and I had to attack on Saturday to stay in front. To win this rally after such a fight is a fantastic feeling. »

As for Jari-Matti Latvala, it is not time for celebration. However, second behind Hirvonen since Friday, the Finn was expected to collect eight points this Sunday. But an error in the final and very short special cost him second place, giving it to Dani Sordo, who had fought all weekend, in vain, to conquer it on time. Having destroyed his suspension by going wide, the driver deprived his team of a very good double, a sign of Ford's domination in Poland. “ It is a mistake, admits Latvala. I wasn't going too fast but I turned too early in the corner. I hit a barrel filled with sand, it broke my steering. On the next bend I couldn't turn and hit the barrier on the other side of the road. »

The Finn, who accepts his driving error, recognizes that this hitch prevents his team from celebrating a weekend which should have been synonymous with a double. “ I let my team down and dimmed Ford?s dream of winning the manufacturers' title this year. »