Q&A with Mikko Hirvonen - Latvala can help me

Mikko Hirvonen is one of three drivers locked in battle for the World Rally Championship drivers’ crown. He spoke to Wrc.com on the eve of the penultimate round, RallyRACC-Rally de Espana.

How have you prepared for this rally?

“I’ve done nothing in a rally car, we just don’t have any testing days unfortunately. But we did little bit of Tarmac driving on a circuit to get a bit of feeling.”

At what circuit?

“It was at the Academy at Le Mans in one of those formula cars. It was quite big difference from the rally car but everything counts.”

Do you feel ready for Spain, despite your lack of testing?

“I do. Sure everybody has been wondering if I have the speed after France but I haven’t. I wasn’t in the best form and I was struggling a bit with the car. After my mistake all I could do was look stupid by making another mistake and lose all the points I could get. Now I am in a situation when I have to fight and I am sure I will find the feeling and a good rhythm as well.”

Why weren’t you at your best in France?

“I was out of the podium fight and all I could do was secure the points I could take. I wasn’t so happy with the set-up either and that meant it was better to play it safe and finish the rally. It was one of the longest weekends I’ve had in a rally car but we did get what we wanted.”

And that was enough points to put you joint top in the championship?

“Exactly and that’s the main thing. We have a fantastic chance to beat Sebastien in the title fight. But you never know after the last couple of rallies.”

How will you approach the mixed surface stages?

“We will find a way. Every stage you need to start like it’s going to decide the world title so that’s a big attack on every stage. Hopefully it goes well.”

How much of a help can your team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala be?

“He can help me. Dani Sordo can in a way, everybody who is fighting up there can play a big role in the title fight by taking points off Loeb. I feel good, just so happy to be in a position where we can really challenge and really fight.”