Hirvonen wants to continue in Australia

For the first time since 2006, the World Rally Championship returns to Australia. But after 19 years in the western part of the country, it is now on the east coast, around the town of Kingscliff, that the competitors will have to battle on tracks they do not know. Riding a wave of three consecutive successes, Mikko Hirvonen presents himself as leader of the World Championship and intends to use his good understanding of the new tracks to increase his lead over Sébastien Loeb (Citroen).

The Finn will be on the roads of rally from Tuesday to carry out the first reconnaissance. “ It?s a brand new rally, so I don?t know what to expect “, says Hirvonen. “ The roads in the western part of the country where I won in 2006 are different from those we will take here. The tracks were covered with slippery stones like marble. But I am more comfortable on the new route which has more traditional dirt tracks which should suit me. »

With only three points ahead of Loeb with three rallies remaining in the championship, Hirvonen knows he has no room for error if he wants to achieve his goal. “ This is a crucial rally for the championship. I will try to impose myself but if I can't, then I have to score as many points as possible. If I don't score any points it could end my title chances this year He adds.

To carry out his mission, he will also be able to count on the support of his teammate, Jari-Matti Latvala. “ The Drivers' Championship should be exciting until the end and my mission in Australia will be to score big points to help Mikko achieve his title goal. »