Νίκη Hirvonen @ WRC Σουηδία
Mikko Hirvonen started his World Rally Championship title bid in the best way possible by beating Sebastien Loeb to victory in the Rally Sweden. Jari-Matti Latvala claimed the final podium spot ahead of Dani Sordo, while high-profile Formula 1 convert Kimi Raikkonen reached the finish in 30th place despite losing half an hour stuck in a snow bank on Friday.
Although Loeb edged into a narrow lead over the opening stages, a change of differential setting on Hirvonen’s Ford just before Friday lunchtime turned the Finn into the pacesetter. Hirvonen hit the front shortly afterwards, and in the second half of the event he finally broke Loeb’s challenge and pulled away. By Sunday morning the Citroen driver was admitting that he could not catch Hirvonen and would settle for second. “It’s been a very tough weekend and Mikko has done a perfect rally,” Loeb said.
“I made a little mistake yesterday, but even without this mistake I don’t know [if we could have won] because we were unable to beat Mikko in the stages. He was really strong, he deserves this victory.” Hirvonen was thrilled to start the year on top, especially as he had successfully managed his tyres despite a lack of snow on many stages ripping studs from the rubber all weekend…