Matton: Hirvonen could fill Loeb’s shoes

The future of Citroen’s FIA World Rally Championship effort is in safe hands if Sebastien Loeb retires at the end of the 2012 season, according to team principal Yves Matton.

Loeb’s deal with Citroen allows him to extend his tenure in the WRC for one final year in 2013 or stop at the end of the current term. If he does quit then Matton believes current number two Mikko Hirvonen would be the perfect candidate to head the squad.

Speaking to Motorsport News in the United Kingdom, Matton said: “I am very happy with how Mikko is [working] with us in the team. If Sebastien does go [and retire at the end of the year], then I think we are OK; the guy who finished second when Seb won is Mikko. So if tomorrow Seb is not there then for sure Mikko is the guy to be champion.”

Loeb’s future in the world championship is expected to become clearer at the end of the summer although the eight-time title winner says he is under no pressure to make a decision.

“Really I don’t know what is the date in the contract,” he said. “If [Yves] tells me it is next week, then I will tell him my decision next week, if he says he wants to know in September then I will tell him in September. There is no rush for this decision. I am still enjoying the driving, but now I don’t know [if I will stay].”

Hirvonen’s current agreement with runs until the end of 2013. Citroen also has rising talent Thierry Neuville under contract.