Hirvonen fears the Rallye de France

Le Rally of France leaves Corsica and finds himself for the first time in Alsace, on the lands of the World Champion. If the courses are announced as being quite similar to those encountered during the German Rally, all the crews will have to make new notes for this new event on the calendar. WRC.

But the greatest difficulty remains the variety of sectors crossed, because the Alsatian roads are constantly evolving. “ The roads were narrow, rough and the surface changed frequently », indicated Mikko Hirvonen, who carried out tests near Strasbourg to refine his settings. “ We sought to find a compromise for the set-up, which would work correctly on the different types of stages that we are preparing to face in this rally. I expect a lot of changes in pace, with the roads ranging from fast and wide to twisty and narrow. »

Matthew Wilson, Stobart Ford World Rally Team driver, shares the Finn's point of view, and wants to ensure his progress on this type of surface this weekend, after a good result in Germany. “ It will be very strange not to be in Corsica for a French event of the World Rally Championship “, commented Matthew Wilson. “ This island has always been associated with rallying, so it will take a little time to get used to it! It will be really difficult to find the right set-up for this event, because I have heard that the stages are very varied. Some sectors will be very fast and very wide but other places will be slow, narrow and winding on a delicate surface. I haven't seen any videos yet, that's just what I've heard. »

Find an exclusive interview with Mikko Hirvonen, who looks back on his disappointing 2010 season, in your AUTOhebdo magazine, on newsstands tomorrow.