Ford star Mikko Hirvonen is convinced world champion Sebastien Loeb can be beaten - and has said that he hopes to be proved right on Rally Argentina this week.
Hirvonen lies second to Loeb in the title battle and has triumphed just once this season compared to his French rival, a two-time winner in 2011, including the last round in Italy where Loeb produced a stunning performance to win despite running first on the road for all three days of the gravel event.
“Definitely he can be beaten,” Hirvonen told British newspaper Motorsport News. “Without the puncture I had the chance to win in Sardinia. I was pleased with my speed there and I like the stages in Argentina. We have a good set-up on gravel, I really have a chance to win.”
Hirvonen’s best result in Argentina is the third place he achieved on the event in 2007. He retired from the event in 2009, the last time the country hosted a round of the WRC, with an engine fault.
“The main thing is to be consistent in Argentina because it’s a tricky event, with variations to the stages, some Tarmac and a possibility of mud and rain [because it’s the late autumn here],” said the 30-year-old. “We did some of our early testing in these conditions but not with the [soft-compound Michelin] tyre so that will be new. We also had a good test in Greece recently on rough roads. Argentina can be rough in places so there are some small things, like the rideheight and springs, we can take forward to Argentina.”
However, Hirvonen has played down the significance of winning in Argentina, adding: “It’s not like we have to win and it won’t be a disappointment if we don’t. But if Sebastien wins and I’m only fourth then it will be a problem. I have to beat him.”
Loeb has not been beaten on Argentina’s last five appearances in the world championship. He heads Hirvonen by seven points in the WRC standings.