Matton praises Hirvonen impact

Yves Matton has praised the contribution Mikko Hirvonen has made to Citroen’s bid to land an eighth manufacturers’ title in the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia this season.

Hirvonen joined Citroen for 2012 from rival team Ford. After three rounds, the Finn is second in the drivers’ standings, 16 points behind team-mate Sebastien Loeb, while Citroen heads Ford by 38 points in the manufacturers’ table.

“A driver coming from another team always brings some new ideas we can explore and use the possibilities,” said Matton, the Citroen Total World Rally Team principal. “But also he’s a great professional and a great guy. We are very happy to work with him because the relationship is very good with the team, with Seb and the general atmosphere is something very good.”

Asked if Hirvonen would be able to challenge for victory on this week’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal, Matton said: “If he is in a position to win this rally this weekend I will be happy. And for sure it can only be good for his confidence if he wins the rally - our aim is always to win the rally and that is what we will try to do.”