Hirvonen: “I didn’t drive very well”

After six stages, Mikko Hirvonen is already 49 seconds behind Sébastien Loeb. Throughout the day, the Finn never really got into the rhythm, losing precious seconds by overdriving his Citroën DS3 WRC. He expects to perform better in the second stage of this ninth round of the WRC season.

« Even if the roads are dry, I lack confidence on the dirtiest sections, explains Hirvonen. I didn?t drive very well, but it was a little better during SS3. We are going to try softer settings for this afternoon and it was already a little better. The car was perfect, it's happening in my head. I find myself in the same situation as in Monte-Carlo, I am too aggressive in my driving and it doesn't work! In certain sections, I didn't attack, I tried to be as clean as possible and I was faster. So I need to work on this. I remain optimistic, especially because I like the configuration of the second stage. »

According to Yves Matton, director of Citroën Racing, Mikko Hirvonen's results are explained by his lack of experience on asphalt with the Citroën DS3 WRC. “ The day was more complicated for Mikko. He is in a bit of the same situation as at the start of the season on dirt. He needs to improve his driving to adapt it to our car. On stages as difficult as today's, his task was not at all obvious. »