Hirvonen: “I keep my feet on the ground”

Mikko, How does it feel to lead the championship with one round to go before the end of the season?
?It?s great but I had already led the championship before. I had never led him, it’s true, in a round at the end of the season! I try not to think about it until the arrival of rally in Cardiff. I hope the team celebrates. »

Do you feel pressure?
" Not for the moment. It?s just very exciting. I have a chance to impose myself and I keep my feet on the ground. It's going to be quite a battle nonetheless and I don't underestimate the work I have to do in Wales. But I don't have any particular expectations and I relieve the pressure that way. I put it aside. We had a good feeling during the last six events and I proved things to myself. It also allowed me to relieve pressure.

At what point in the season did you feel like you could challenge Loeb for the title?
“I started the season thinking I could do it. Then when I retired to Argentina and we didn't score a single point, I virtually gave up. It was only when I won again in Greece that I started to hope again. In Poland, after Loeb went off the road, we took the lead and I knew I was back in the battle. Poland is the deciding point in my mind. I always knew, however, that it would be difficult? he is still a five-time world champion! »

Has anything changed in your mind since last year?
" Nothing has changed. I knew I could challenge him if we had perfect rallies and with another year of experience and confidence behind us. We have had some good rallies this season. Even when he won, we were just behind in second place. I managed to rise to the level on many stages and I knew I could do it. »

What has been your program since the Rally of Spain?
“Immediately after the rally, I took part in an operation for BP and Castrol in Spain. I then spent time with my family and gave a few interviews.

We have been testing in Cumbria this week to find the right set-up for Rally Britain and I feel comfortable with the car. We will participate in the Cambrian Rallye this weekend as an opener. The roads are similar to the one we will experience for the Rally of Great Britain, so it will be a good experience after having competed in the Rally of Spain on asphalt. I won the Cambrian in 2002, so I can't wait to go back. »

Is it a problem for you to start Rally Great Britain in first position?
" No not at all. This is not the kind of rally where there is a big difference between who starts first, second or third on the road. If there is a lot of mud then it will be an advantage to be in front and if it is dry and dusty this will also be the best position. So I'm happy to go first. »