Mikko Hirvonen says his win on the Acropolis Rally of Greece today has rejuvenated his challenge for the 2009 drivers’ title.

Hirvonen’s victory was Ford's 70th at WRC level and puts him seven points behind his title rival Sebastien Loeb in the Drivers’ Championship with five rounds remaining.

“We're back in the championship fight and the final five rallies of the year will be exciting," said Hirvonen. "The next two events, in Poland and Finland, are on fast gravel roads which should suit me.”

“It’s good to be only seven points behind after what happened in Argentina. The rest of the season will be exciting and maybe we can put some more pressure on Sebastien. It’s really good. It brings everything back alive again,” he added.

Today’s result was great news for Ford in the manufacturers’ contest too. It was the team's second consecutive victory following Latvala's success in Italy last month and means Ford is now just 15 points from leaders Citroen in the manufacturers' standings.

BP Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson said: "It was a masterful drive from Mikko. Although he led after the first day, we were worried about the effect his start position would have on Saturday, but he knew exactly what to do and did it to perfection."

"Jari-Matti did a great job after his error and capitalised on the mistakes of others. Our championship hopes were written off before Sardinia but we didn't give up and we're back in the fight," he added.


[Source: Premier Automobiles]