Hirvonen Lauds Loeb’s Historic Fifth Consecutive World Championship Win
BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s forecast of winning a third consecutive manufacturers’ crown was considerably brighter today following a memorable one-two Rally Japan finish.
Mikko Hirvonen and his Finnish team-mate, Jari-Matti Latvala, wrapped up the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in style, registering a wire-to-wire victory which sees BP-Ford Abu Dhabi cut Citroen’s manufacturers’ series lead to 11-points, with only one WRC round remaining – December’s Wales Rally Great Britain.
“Full credit to both drivers for delivering incredible performances in what were probably the most changeable road conditions we’ve seen on a rally. It keeps our championship hopes alive and the same top three on the final round would give us the crown again,” said Malcolm Wilson, Team Director, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.
However, it wasn’t all good news for the team as Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed Hirvonen saw his title dreams eclipsed in the Land of the Rising Sun, with Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb wrapping up an historic fifth consecutive world championship.
Finishing third, the Frenchman earned enough points to clinch a record-breaking quintet of world titles and deny Hirvonen a maiden championship.
“I’m delighted with the win but at the same time disappointed that my hopes of the drivers’ title are over. We did all we could but it wasn’t enough to prevent Sébastien Loeb winning the title, which he richly deserves - I congratulate him,” said Hirvonen, after claiming back-to-back Japan wins.
“Although the drivers’ championship is out of reach, we will go to the final round with the manufacturers’ title still possible and my thoughts will now focus on that,” he added.
Despite Loeb’s triumph, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi speedster Latvala’s return to form in Sapporo should ensure the UAE capital branded team head to the WRC season finale determined to retain the manufacturers’ title.
“It feels fantastic to take a top three finish on gravel again - I really wanted this result,” said Latvala. “The difficult rallies really suit this car, which is incredibly strong. We’ve had no problems during the weekend and when you have to attack in rough and tough conditions then it’s encouraging to know that the car excels on that type of road.
“The conditions are likely to be similar in Wales – we’ll be ready," added Latvala.
With Wales Rally Great Britain characterised by wet and muddy gravel tracks - the surface favoured by BP-Ford Abu Dhabi’s ‘Flying Finns’ – Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, ADTA is promising a nail-biting end to the 2008 series.
“The team has not given up hope of a third manufacturers’ title and the positive attitude we have shown in Japan has put us back into contention for the crown,” said Ahmed Hussein.
Rally Great Britain runs 5-7th December.
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