Loeb Seeks Hirvonen Revenge

Six-time world champion Sebastien Loeb is determined to get back on level terms with rival Mikko Hirvonen by winning his fourth consecutive Rally of Mexico.

Citroen Xsara driver Loeb was forced to settle for second place behind in-form Hirvonen in the season-opening Rally of Sweden and now trails the Finn by seven points in the overall standings.

However, the 36-year-old Frenchman is hoping to ruin the Ford Focus pilot's 100th rally when the second event of the season gets underway in Leon on Friday.
Advantage

"We cannot say that the season started badly with second place in Sweden," said Loeb.

"But I am not going to let Mikko take further advantage. A win for me here will allow me to get back on level terms."

The Rally of Mexico is the first of five successive legs of the championship to be raced over an earth surface, but Loeb believes his car is well-matched to the testing terrain.

"It is an interesting challenge for a driver," said Loeb.

"The special stages are not too backbreaking, but a good mix, with very quick parts and bumpy stretches. Our car will be very much at ease on terrain that we know well."

Hirvonen, who has finished second to Loeb in the last two championships, entered the season in fine form following his victory in the Rally of Monte Carlo.

The 29-year-old, who has won 12 races since his first triumph in the 2006 Rally of Australia, is looking to repeat his Sweden success, where a crucial decision to use studded tyres on the Saturday largely contributed to his win.

Perfect

"The Swedish race was a perfect start in the championship for the whole team," said Hirvonen.

"It is vital we build on that in Mexico and carry on taking the courageous decisions that bore such fruit for us in the opening leg."

Fellow Finn and former Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen will be looking to build on his performance in Sweden, where the Citroen Junior Team driver finished 28th, crossing the line over half an hour behind the winner.

The Rally of Mexico is raced at the highest altitude of the series as drivers compete at 2700 metres on the Friday, with atmospheric conditions set to lower engine power by a dramatic 30 percent.