Hesitant Hirvonen holds back in Finland

Mikko Hirvonen has opted to start tomorrow’s opening leg of Rally Finland at the back of the pack of top priority drivers.

The Finn was fastest in qualifying earlier this evening in his Citroen DS3, earning the right to choose his start position first. And although Hirvonen elected to begin the 48.24km leg last of the top 14 drivers, he admitted to concerns over his decision given the uncertainty of the weather.

“We don’t know how much it will rain,” he said. “If it rains then start position will be important, but if it doesn’t then it won’t be as important. I don’t think it’s so crucial to win qualifying in this rally but it’s still nice to be fastest.”

Second quickest Sebastien Ogier opted for the next lowest start position, just in front of Hirvonen. The Frenchman smiled: “I was happy that Mikko was faster because I could see what position he chose. It gives me an idea of Citroen’s weather forecast!”

All the following drivers opted for the next lowest position available.

Finn Riku Tahko, who was slowest in qualifying, will start first. If it stays dry, he faces the unenviable task of sweeping gravel from the road surface to leave an increasingly cleaner and faster line for those behind.

The full start order is:

1. Riku Tahko
2. Martin Prokop
3. P-G Andersson
4. Jarkko Nikara
5. Dani Sordo
6. Kris Meeke
7. Juho Hanninen
8. Mads Ostberg
9. Andreas Mikkelsen
10. Jari-Matti Latvala
11. Evgeny Novikov
12. Thierry Neuville
13. Sebastien Ogier
14. Mikko Hirvonen