Hirvonen impressed by Fiesta winner Hunt

Mikko Hirvonen has tipped Fiesta SportTrophy International winner Harry Hunt for further success in the World Championship after the British rising star took him for a spin in a Ford Fiesta S2000.

Hirvonen strapped into the co-driver’s seat on Friday (19 November) to offer advice to 22-year-old Hunt as he drove on a stage at Carlisle Airport, near the headquarters of Ford’s British rally partner, M-Sport.

The masterclass with Hirvonen was part of Hunt’s prize for winning this year’s FSTi.

Accompanied by co-driver Sebastian Marshal, Hunt secured the single-make series after amassing 34 stage wins and three outright victories on the rounds in Turkey, France and the finale in Wales.

The test day finished with Hirvonen taking the wheel of the Fiesta and taking Hunt on a full speed pass through the stage.

Hirvonen said: “Harry really impressed me today - he’s got a lot of potential behind the wheel and considering this is only his first full year competing, he’s done extremely well.

“He’s still very new to the sport but a very determined individual who is eager to succeed. I’m sure with more experience he will only get better,” added Hirvonen.

After 100km in the driver’s seat, Hunt, who usually drives a Fiesta R2, said the four-wheel drive S2000 had blown him away.

“It’s such a huge difference from my car - the power, the speed and the strength of the braking is unbelievable,” he said.

“It’s amazing to watch someone like Mikko drive round exactly the same track as myself - he makes it look so easy. He was very precise and has such good car control. He gave some really good driving tips and made me realise how important it is to keep the car as tidy as possible. It’s been a great day - to be taught by one of the world’s best rally drivers this morning has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.”