Mikko Hirvonen

Fast Facts:

Why support him? He rose to the challenge of lead driver status at Ford in 2008

He’s quick AND consistent. In 2008 he became the only driver ever to score points on every round of the season

He’s worth millions but his dream car is still a Ford Escort Mk2

Career highlights:

Career summary:

Hirvonen only started rallying in 1998, but quickly showed his talent at the wheel of two-wheel drive cars, winning the Finnish Formula 2 title in 2002. That year he also contended the Subaru Cup Challenge in Italy, leading the series before going off the road in the final stage of the final round and losing the championship. He nonetheless earned a works deal with Ford for 2003 as a result of his other efforts.

Although he rolled on his debut in Monte Carlo, he had a solid – if unspectacular – rest of the season, which prompted a move to Subaru for 2004. Once again, Hirvonen performed solidly, but had to return to privateer rallying in 2005. Although relegated to a 2003-spec car, Mikko impressed and led the Acropolis Rally overall – a performance that got him back into a Ford works car again without delay. His third place in Spain guaranteed him the team’s second seat in 2006.

Hirvonen played a crucial support role to Marcus Gronholm in 2006 and together the pair secured Ford the manufacturers’ title – with Mikko taking his first WRC victory, in Australia, along the way. He did another excellent job in 2007, taking wins in Norway, Japan and Great Britain, a total of ten podiums and helping bring the BP Ford team its second successive world championship title. Hirvonen rounded off 2007 third in the drivers’ title and was named as Ford team leader in 2008 following Marcus Gronholm’s retirement.

At 27, Mikko started 2008 as the youngest and least experienced team leader of a full manufacturers’ team, but he rose to the challenge and had his most successful season to date. Spurred on by the pace of Ford’s number two driver, Jari-Matti Latvala, Hirvonen took three victories and remained in the championship fight with Sebastien Loeb until the penultimate round.

Mikko’s 2008 season wasn’t all plain sailing, however. Teamwork had a big part to play in keeping his championship dream alive. On several occasions he benefitted from team orders which keep his challenge on track at the expense of his team-mates. And while Latvala’s lightning pace certainly spurred Mikko on, there were times when the team leader was frustrated by the speed of the man who was supposed to be supporting him. You can bet that, just like in 2008, Mikko will be out to prove a point this year.