WRC – Hirvonen aims for podium at Monte-Carlo

Mikko Hirvonen se prépare à effectuer son retour avec M-Sport après deux saisons passées chez Citroën Racing. Le Finlandais sera de la partie au Rally Monte-Carlo will be contested next week, an event where he won in 2010 in the IRC Series at the wheel of a Fiesta S2000. “I had good feelings as soon as I got behind the wheel and that’s the kind of thing that can be really valuable”, comments the Scandinavian who already knows the Fiesta RS WRC. “We would always like to do more testing, but I feel like we are ready. The Monte-Carlo is a difficult test. Conditions there can be very variable and you often have to compromise with tires. We didn't have much snow during testing and the weather was actually quite mild and I'll be happy if the weather stays like that. I will aim for the podium there. This season will be a little different and I think we can take a little more risks at the start. »

Conversely, Elfyn Evans will take part in his very first Monte-Carlo Rally and will for the second time be behind the wheel of the Fiesta RS WRC with which he took sixth place at the last Rally of Sardinia. “Our approach to this event will be to gain as much experience as possible”, explains the 2012 WRC Academy winner. “There’s no doubt it’s going to be a tough start to the season but I’m looking forward to it.” We are here to learn and take advantage of every situation. Monte is known to often be a lottery. Conditions can get very difficult and this will also be the first time I will be working with snow forecast grades. It might take me a little time to get used to it. We started testing last week and we had very difficult conditions on the first day. We were able to test several types of tires which should be useful to us. We are aware that this ordeal is unforgivable. I have only driven the Fiesta RS WRC on gravel and my main objective will be to reach the finish. »

Robert Kubica will also be one to watch even if the Pole did not show his best side at the wheel of the Citroën DS3 WRC at the last Wales Rally GB. The former pilot of F1 has started strong this season by winning the Jännerrallye which took place earlier this month in conditions similar to those encountered at Monte-Carlo.