Hirvonen: “I want more”

Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus), solid leader during the Rally from Sweden, knew how to make the right choices and be faster than Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4) throughout the event. Determined to no longer be content with securing big points, the Finn now wants to constantly aim for victory.

« After losing the title by one point last year, I know I need to win more, rather than consistently secure a points place, so it's an ideal start, declares the vice-world champion. It's a big victory for us and I want many more this season. This is the first time that I have won the opening round of the championship. »

As he confided before the start of this rally, the Finn no longer wants to hesitate to take risks in order to aim for victory in each event. This was his leitmotif during the opening round of the WRC. " I tried, from the start, to be more aggressive in all aspects of my performance. It was a bold decision to change the tires when I did it yesterday, and it paid off. These are the kinds of decisions that make the difference between victory and defeat. »

In addition to his risk-taking, Mikko Hirvonen recognizes that the changing conditions on the road to the Swedish Rally, with the absence of snow on certain routes, did not help him to have a calm end to the race. “ It was a tough rally for the tyres, due to the exposed dirt, and you can't imagine how nervous I was in the final stages. I have a year more experience in fighting for the title and I think it showed. I have to continue like this for the rest of the season. »

Leader of the world championship with 25 points, Mikko Hirvonen is already looking forward to being back on the roads of the Rally Mexico, from March 4 to 7.