A trophy for Ford and a few surprises… eventful report

After a first Ireland rally clearly appreciated by the drivers; Ford, Loeb, and Latvala comment on the very eventful weekend. Indeed, thanks to Mikko Hirvonen’s five points this weekend, the BP-Ford team is assured of winning the World Constructors’ Championship title even before the trip to Wales in 10 days.

« It’s a fantastic feeling to win again, » explains Malcolm Wilson.

« Nothing will surpass our 2006 title, but retaining the trophy sends a message: we are a very strong team. Winning this title before the end of the season is incredible. Thanks to all the team members, our drivers, and Ford for their support. Mikko [Hirvonen] is doing a great job this weekend. After Marcus [Gronholm]’s retirement, he understood his role and fulfilled it perfectly. »

For his part, Sébastien Loeb adds an eighth victory to his record this season. And with now 36 victories in the World Championship to his name, his ever-growing record isn’t likely to be beaten…

« With the alert known on a front shock absorber before SS2, we experienced a somewhat stressful start to the race », comments the Citroën C4 driver.

« We then quickly found ourselves in a good position to win the rally and make an excellent move in the Drivers’ Championship. We couldn’t let it slip away. The most important thing on these very difficult roads was to find the right rhythm to handle the terrain and make the most of the qualities of our C4 WRC. It wasn’t easy, and I’m really happy that we came out on top. » Concluded Loeb.

After Gronholm’s withdrawal, who has not yet commented on the consequences, the big surprise comes from Jari-Matti Latvala in his Ford Stobart M-Sport, achieving his first podium at only 22 years old, oddly reminiscent of a certain Markku Alen.

« It’s truly an exceptional moment to step onto the podium, especially on asphalt, » admits the Finn.

« I applied myself all year, this result is a kind of reward. I came close to the podium, especially recently in Japan. The conditions were difficult, but we managed a great race. I am looking forward to the start of the rally in Great Britain and getting back on the dirt to try to achieve the same result. »