Mikko goes for win in his own backyard
Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 31 July 2008
THE scene is set for an epic contest on the forest tracks of Finland this weekend as the second half of the World Rally Championships bursts into action.
And Ford’s two Finnish pairings, one of which leads the drivers' standings, are eager to claim a maiden victory on their home rally and one of the sport's classic fixtures.
Their rivals will ensure this ninth round of the series, which comes after a seven-week break, is not merely a straight contest between BP Ford Abu Dhabi’s Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila.
The internal rivalry will be fierce though both pairings are also firmly aware of the opportunity to stretch Ford’s nine-point lead in the manufacturers’ series with the record-breaking Focus RS World Rally Car.
Victory in Finland, the sport’s spiritual home, is one of rallying’s most sought after achievements and home drivers have a distinct advantage on one of the most specialised events of the season.
Only six non-Finns have won the rally in 57 years, and huge crowds flock into the countryside amid the lakes and forests near the host town of Jyväskylä to cheer on their fellow countrymen.
It is based on blisteringly fast roller-coaster gravel speed tests and drivers who grew up on this type of road have a clear advantage of others who require several years’ experience before they can hope to challenge for a win.
Rally Finland boasts five of the six fastest rallies ever the 2005 round topping the all-time list at a remarkable average speed of 122.86kph.
The wide, hard roads are as smooth as a billiard table but technically it is an incredibly difficult rally. Precision driving and bravery are more important than anywhere else.
The awesome stomach-churning jumps frequently hide bends over the crest, so accuracy and delivery of pace notes must be exact and picking the right line before 'take-off' ensures maximum pace through the following curves.
This will be the seventh appearance here for Hirvonen, who lives in Jyväskylä and will celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday the day the rally started. It ends on Sunday.
Hirvonen, whose second last year's is his best result, said: “I've stood beside these stages since I was a kid watching heroes like Markku Alen and Ari Vatanen driving.
“My family and friends will all be out watching and it would be a fantastic feeling to stand on the top step of the podium in front of them on the Sunday afternoon.”
Latvala is just as eager for the action to start. He said: “It would be special to win on home ground in Finland. Victory here is more highly regarded than in some other world rallies.
“It requires solid experience of the rally and I need to be able to drive flat out from start to finish without making mistakes.”
Khalid Al Qassimi/Michael Orr will drive a third Focus RS on the first anniversary of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's partnership with Ford.
Al Qassimi said: “My first year in the WRC has been a process of learning the various driving techniques and styles required to negotiate the new terrain I've encountered.”
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