Mikko Hirvonen has digested his failure

Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus WRC), fourth during the Rally from Mexico, was never able to compete with the Citroën C4 WRC drivers, who were a cut above all weekend. But everything is better, according to Mikko. “ We analyzed the reasons why we were not competitive enough in Mexico and we tried new options in Sardinia, declares the Finn, who completed nearly 800 kilometers of tests on the Italian island. I expect us to be more competitive in Jordan. »

Winner of the Jordan Rally two years ago, Mikko Hirvonen is confident, but remains very attentive. “ The surface is hard, it feels like you are driving on asphalt. », continues Hirvo. “ There will be a layer of slippery dirt on the surface during the first few passes. A little more flexible settings will be required. On the second passes, with cleaner roads, the settings will be harder, almost like on asphalt. There are no ditches but a few holes. You should not lower the ride height too much. It's a compromise to make dirt and asphalt settings. »

Despite his confidence in his Focus and its qualities, Mikko Hirvonen knows that Jordan is full of pitfalls. “ This is one of the most difficult tests for taking notes. There are fast sections with small bumps. And the rhythm changes with a series of pins. There are no trees, no landmarks in the desert to make notes. You have to be very precise. »