Christmas Q&A with Hirvonen and Latvala

The M-Sport Christmas Q&A continues and we’ve asked BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala to share some of their Christmas stories.

Here’s what our favourite flying Finns had to say.

Mikko Hirvonen

If you were able to have any rally car from any generation which one would it be and why?

Ford Mk2 Escort because it’s rear wheel drive and sounds fantastic. Actually I already own one and I love it. It’s too nice though and I’m scared to drive it too fast!

What was the first toy car you can remember receiving at Christmas?

I had loads when I was a kid. There was a Mk2 Escort but I can’t remember what else I had. Too long ago!

What was the first accessory you got for a car as a Christmas present?

Honestly I never got any presents like that.

What driver have you most admired?

Markku Alen, Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Mäkinen. I think out of the three I admired Juha the most

What driver would you like to have pitted yourself against?

It would be nice to have driven about 20 years ago. I think I would like to beat Malcolm! So to have driven in Malcolm’s era and beaten him would be great!

Jari-Matti Latvala

If you were able to have any rally car from any generation which one would it be and why?

It would be the Group B Lancia Delta S4. That was such a spectacular rally car.

What was the first toy car you can remember receiving at Christmas?

I have been interested in cars since I was very small, so I always used to receive model cars for Christmas and birthdays presents, but I can’t recall what the first one was.

What was the first accessory you got for a car as a Christmas present?

When I started competing I received a pair of driving boots and gloves from my parents. For my road car, the first thing I remember receiving was a set of covers for the lamp pods on my car.

What driver have you most admired?

Henri Toivonen. He has always been my rally hero.

What driver would you like to have pitted yourself against?

Markku Alen. He has a fantastic character, the type of personality that the WRC needs.

From M-Sport press office