During Citroen’s 2013 team launch in Abu Dhabi, we got together with their new team leader Mikko Hirvonen and discussed his main target for next year: winning the world rally championship. Here’s what the Finn had to say:
Mikko it’s an honor to meet you here in Abu Dhabi, how do you feel about the new project?
Really good, really good, of course a partnership like this is really important for us, especially in times like these, it brings security to myself and kind of a continuity for the team in future, so I’m really happy with the situation.
The big champion is retiring, and you’ve been challenging for championship for the past years, do you feel ready this year?
Yeah, I feel really good, at least I know, you know, I learned about the team, the people and about the car this year and I feel like I’m definitely in the right team to fight for the championship, Sebastien is finally giving the rest of us a chance, so hopefully it’s my time now.
You had a very consistent year last year, you weren’t winning much, but you were scoring points the whole time, do you feel it’s easier to have the win one year more with the team?
Of course, the more you get mileage and kilometer with the car, it always helps you, and this year we did exactly what we wanted, what we were after, but for sure it’s not gonna be enough to fight for the title next year, so I need to keep my consistency, that’s maybe my strongest point, but I also need to be able to win a bit more rallies. A lot of work to do, but I’m pretty sure we are capable of doing it.
It’s been a long time since a Finnish won a World Championship, can you bring it back?
I hope so, nobody has really won it for a long time with Sebastien Loeb, so now it’s about the chase.
How do you feel about Abu Dhabi, is it your first time here?
No, it’s actually not…
With your old team…
With my old team Ford, Abu Dhabi was Ford’s sponsor for many years, so I visited Abu Dhabi many times, and got to know Sheikh Khaled as well, so I’m familiar a little bit with the traditions.
So you’re familiar?
I am familiar with the country and traditions, it’s really nice, and a warm place.
Interview was conducted by biser3a.com and Saudi Sports Group.
