Mikko Hirvonen: “I want to beat Loeb”

“The Friday stages are destroyed,” exclaims Mikko Hirvonen, second in the provisional standings of the world championship, with a delay of 10 points on Sébastien Loeb. “There are places where we will have to turn around the stones, but I nevertheless intend to attack from the start in order to take advantage of my position on the road, in relation to Sébastien, to immediately widen the gap. »

The Finn says he has no intention of slowing down at the end of the day in order to continue to benefit from a favorable running order the next day. “Saturday dirt roads are covered in an incredibly thick layer of loose dust. The former should operate under identical grip conditions. »

Hirvonen has only one idea before the start: to win. “I know it won’t be easy. Loeb is the most experienced and consistent among us. That said, since the start of the year, he has made more small driving mistakes than me. It's up to me not to ruin my chances by simple errors in settings or strategy. »