KINGSCLIFF, NSW // Malcolm Wilson, the team director of BP Ford Abu Dhabi, thinks his title-chasing driver Mikko Hirvonen will thrive in the pressure cauldron of the Rally Australia.
With just a trio of World Rally Championship rounds remaining - including this weekend's return to Australia - Hirvonen leads five-time world champion Sebastien Loeb, the most decorated rally driver in history, by a meagre three points.
However, with eight podium finishes in the season's nine rounds thus far, a fourth consecutive win would see the 29-year old Finn severely dent Loeb's own pursuit of a sixth world crown in a row.
"Australia's crucial, no question," said Wilson. "We know what we want to achieve and that's getting Mikko ahead of Loeb. Mikko can't go crazy, if he's a non-finish we're out of the business."
In truth, nothing will be decided this weekend. Final examinations, first on Spanish asphalt, the Citroen driver's domain, then on British mud remain.
If Hirvonen, a renowned non-sealed surface specialist, overcomes the dual burdens of expectation and pressure to score victories here, and in the season-ender in Wales, he would only need fifth or higher in Catalonia to wrap-up a maiden drivers' title.
Rally Australia's new east coast base in Kingscliff follows almost two decades of racing on the west coast of the country, and Wilson is confident that Hirvonen's career record on new events will help serve his title aspirations.
"Historically, Mikko has been good in new rallies in Norway, Japan and Poland, so we're hoping that trend continues," said Wilson.
"Anything can happen but if we beat Sebastien here and go to Spain five points clear, we can afford for Mikko to finish third in Spain [and still lead going into the season finale], although I think Mikko can possibly spring a surprise there," he added. Hirvonen's recent wins have coincided with Ford's second driver, Jari-Matti Latvala, returning to form.
The pair have out scored Citroen's Loeb and Dani Sordo in three of the last four rallies, and Wilson acknowledged Latvala may hold the key to BP Ford Abu Dhabi - who presently trail the French outfit by 14 points - securing manufacturers' glory.
"We want Jari to keep ahead of Sordo so we can maintain our manufacturers' chances," he said.
"Jari did a terrific job to come third in Finland. I can't remember a driver under as much pressure as he was under going into his home rally."
Wilson will be hoping for repeat performances from his Finnish duo when the rally starts tomorrow.
Where to apply
Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020.
Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.
The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020.
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
