The final round of the 2009 FIA World Rally Championship is all set to be one of the must-see sporting occasions in recent history as two of the world’s greatest drivers go head to head for the world title on the prestigious stages of Wales, at the 2009 Rally of Great Britain.
After 11 rounds held in 11 different countries on various road surfaces; Sebastien Loeb (83 points), who has won the title for the last five years, trails Mikko Hirvonen (84 points) by a solitary point as they prepare for the grueling time trial challenge over 16 stages and 340 kilometres of Welsh countryside which begins next Friday (23 October).
Whilst Citroen have already claimed the 2009 manufacturers title all eyes will be on the Citroen C4 of Loeb and the Ford Focus RS World Rally Car of Hirvonen as they go all out for the coveted title of being crowned World Rally Champion 2009.
Finnish driver Mikko Hirvonen has never won the world title before, but both have previously tasted victory at the Rally of Great Britain with Mikko winning in 2007 and Sebastien more recently in 2008.
The scene is set for both men to battle it out in the mud, rain and wind that typically characterises the final round of the epic World Rally Championship adventure.
Current championship leader, BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s Mikko Hirvonen (29) commented: “It’s great leading the championship but I have led before, just not with only one rally to go! I am keeping my feet firmly on the ground because it will be a hard fight but I started the season thinking I could beat Sebastien and we’ve driven some really good rallies so I knew I could do it. I always knew it was going to be difficult – he’s five-time champion. I am now concentrating on putting the pressure to one side so I can focus. If I had a choice of rally to decide the title on it would be Finland but the roads at Rally GB really suit me."
Defending champion, Citroen Total World Rally Team’s Sebastien Loeb (35) added: "The cocktail of rain, mud and fog – especially in the dark – has a habit of making this a very tough event. Our mission in Wales is pretty much straightforward; we need to finish ahead of Mikko Hirvonen and in the points. The two of us will obviously be under a great deal of pressure, and even a small mistake could put either one of us out of the running for the title. As far as possible, I will try to put everything else to the back of my mind and simply get on with the fight.”
Simon Long, ISC CEO, said: "10 months ago we started out in Ireland and we now find ourselves here in Wales for the finale of the 2009 World Rally Championship. We will have been to 12 different countries in total and witnessed a fantastic battle between two brilliantly talented drivers. 2009 has been a great year for the WRC and we are seeing strong signs of encouragement for the growth of the sport.
“The future for the WRC looks bright but most importantly we are now ready to enjoy an epic final battle and an exciting conclusion to a great season. I’d like to wish good luck to both teams and drivers."
