JVYASKYLA // Mikko Hirvonen is hoping for a role reversal when he heads to Germany for the 10th rally of the World Rally Championship season next weekend. The Finn holds a one point advantage over Sebastien Loeb in the drivers' standings after finishing second to the Frenchman in Rally Finland this weekend. It was frustrating for team BP-Ford Abu Dhabi's No 1 driver, who had been favourite to claim his first-ever win on home soil but ended 9.9secs behind his title rival.
But although Loeb has dominated at Germany in recent years, Hirvonen is taking inspiration from his own disappointment. "We were at home in Finland and we were the favourites so hopefully we can do the same in Germany," he said. "It is going to be all or nothing for us, and it is going to be difficult, but we will try hard." The BP-Ford Abu Dhabi's second driver, Jari-Matti Latvala, will also be keen for a better result after his performance was hit by a crash early on Friday. He recovered to finish 39th, and would have been much higher had it not been for the 45 minute penalty imposed after missing most of that day's racing.
"I feel quite empty but at least I got my confidence, rhythm and speed back and drove the new stages, which is good for future efforts," he said. "It was difficult to be motivated but the best medicine after an accident is to get back behind the wheel. I know the speed is there." @Email:lthornhill@thenational.ae
