Mikko's thoughts on Monte Carlo

Sébastien Loeb with his new team mate Mikko Hirvonen

Citroen's latest addition has spoken of his like and dislike for rallying in Monte Carlo. The flying Finn won the event when it was not included in the World Rally Championship calendar in 2010, but says that the unpredictable nature of the weather and the difficult selection of tyres makes it one of the hardest rallies this year.

“Monte Carlo has such a long tradition and the championship has to start form Monte Carlo but I have a kind of love and hate relationship with the rally,” said Hirvonen, who moved to Citroen from Ford during the winter. “I mean I love it when I’m not there but when you’re up in the mountains with the wrong tyres doing icy downhill with the slick tyre then I hate it. But it’s a real challenge and I’m very happy to start the season over there and really excited to be in the Citroen.”

Mikko took his new Citroen DS3 WRC for a spin during testing in Monte Carlo just before Christmas. He later said that he was very confident in the car and both he and his co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen were looking forward to their 2012 campaign.

“It was really interesting to feel the differences between our previous car and our Citroen,” said Hirvonen. “I could understand how the car is handling. Also many things come more clear to me why before we have been slow in some areas. It’s a very exciting car and it feels really good.”