Matton curses Mikko’s luck

Citroen Racing boss Yves Matton has blamed more Hirvonen bad luck for the last stage puncture that cost Mikko second place on Rally Australia.

Hirvonen began Sunday’s final stage seemingly well cushioned in second, and on course to collect 18 manufacturers’ championship points for Citroen, until he lost almost a minute with a punctured left-hand rear tyre and dropped to third.

The incident was the latest in a miserable run of form for DS3 driver Hirvonen, who began the season as one of the title favourites but who is placed a lowly fourth in the standings after failing win a rally.

“It happened when Mikko was in the middle of the road, taking no risks.” Matton told wrc.com. “I’m really disappointed for him. He did a great job. It’s really since the beginning of this year for sure Mikko is not really lucky, and a lot of times he is doing a good job and the result is not there.”

Hirvonen, meanwhile, had no explanation for the mystery puncture. “We were on a long straight then we felt a big vibration and I knew we would lose the tyre sooner or later. It’s really disappointing. It was quite a good weekend until that – we were comfortable in second. These things happen, but this year it’s really often. It’s been a long year so far...”