01/10/2009
WRC title rivals go head to head ahead of RallyRACC

Sébastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen came face-to-face ahead of the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb, who has won in Spain for the past four years, said:  “I’ve really little alternative than to end the season with a perfect scorecard.  Here in Spain, more than anywhere else, we will be counting on Dani Sordo and Marc’s Marti rearguard action, because Mikko Hirvonen only needs to come second twice to clinch the title. I will do all I can to fulfil my side of the contract. After that, we shall see.”
 
Current leader, BP Ford Abu Dhabi’s Mikko Hirvonen, added: “Everyone knows how strong Loeb is on asphalt so I think there’s enough of a fight for me to try to get second.  Eight points would help greatly ahead of the last round but won’t be easy to achieve.  It will be a big challenge but I believe I have the speed to fight for second.  I’m not feeling under pressure.  It’s just really exciting.  I have a chance to win the title but I’m keeping my feet firmly on the ground.”