Mikko Hirvonen claimed the World Rally Championship lead, one point over defending champion Sebastien Loeb, at the Rally of Poland this weekend.It’s almost inconceivable considering Loeb’s commanding lead after Rally Argentina when Citroen was holding a one-two in the standings. Bad luck and incidents have played a part in Loeb’s fall from the top of the points since the fifth round.
Latvala won at Sardinia, with Hirvonen second, and now Hirvonen has taken the last two victories. At Acropolis Rally, he moved into second in the standings with 48 to Loeb’s 55, and after Loeb crashed when he hit a tree stump on leg one this weekend, the opportunity presented itself.
“This has been the best rally of the season so far. The roads here are fast and narrow and the crowds provided a superb atmosphere. It’s the first time I have won two consecutive rallies and it has put me into the lead of the championship ahead of my home rally in Finland. The weekend was perfect from start to finish. After Loeb’s mistake on Friday, I thought I might have an easy drive but it wasn’t to be. I had to drive flat out yesterday to stay ahead and it’s a fantastic feeling to win after such a great fight,” said Hirvonen, who was under pressure from teammate Latvala as well.
