With the perspective on the ongoing season changing so rapidly in a matter of weeks, many would think Loeb will have difficulties adjusting to his new challenge. Having lost no less than 21 points to Hirvonen in only 3 rounds, the Citroen driver is now looking to a battle until the very last round with Hirvonen.
Citroen's team principal Olivier Quesnel was the first to admit it, as he expressed his belief this year's title will finally be decided in the last round.
“Honestly I'm still confident because Seb is a five time champion, he's got 52 victories and he's very strong in his head. I'm quite sure what happened here (in Poland) was not his fault. So in Finland it could be a really nice rally for everybody and in Australia too. Spain should be good for us and I'm quite sure the fight will go all the way to the last rally in Great Britain. And it will be quite close – I'm sure,” said Quesnel, according to wrc.com.
The odds seem equal for title contenders Loeb and Hirvonen with 4 rounds to go in the championship, as each will have 2 rallies on which, presumably, they are considered favorites. Known as an asphalt specialist – although he proved he's just as good on tarmac also – Loeb will have Spain and Wales on his side, while Hirvonen – who won two tarmac rallies this season – will have the upper hand in his home event in Finland and Australia.
The two drivers' lieutenant teammates – Dani Sordo and Jari-Matti Latvala respectively – will likely play a major role in the title fight also, with Loeb apparently holding a slight advantage over his Ford rival. Latvala's driving style this season has been prone to accidents, his latest performance speaking for itself.
While in second place in the very last round of Rally Poland, Latvala crashed out of the event and practically gifted Loeb another point in the overall classification – promoting him from 8th to 7th place. Ford's boss Malcolm Wilson insisted, however, that the Fin is still given credit for the closing stages of 2009.
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