Mikko Hirvonen’s push for his first FIA World Rally Championship title will go to a final round shootout after the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team claimed a double podium in Rally de España this weekend
He finished second in his Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car with teammate Jari-Matti Latvala in third, ensuring the drivers’ crown will be decided in Britain next month.
The 31-year-old Finn’s title challenge was given a boost when Latvala sacrificed second position shortly before the finish to ensure his teammate maximised his points haul. Hirvonen will go to Britain eight points off the lead, with a maximum of 28 points available in the Welsh forests.
“Thanks to Jari-Matti’s great support, it means the championship is still wide open going to the final round,” said Hirvonen. “It will be an exciting finale in Britain. I must win the rally but the destiny of the title is pretty much in my own hands and that’s a good feeling.”
Meanwhile, Team Abu Dhabi’s Emirati driver Khalid Al Qassimi finished 12th despite crashing into a tree in the opening leg. He will miss the last round of the season as he returns to the capital for next month’s Formula One Grand Prix.
The final round takes the Ford Abu Dhabi team to Wales for Rally GB on 10th to 13th November.
