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Hirvonen Eyes Monte Carlo Win in a Ford Fiesta S2000

Although Mikko Hirvonen's participation in this year's Monte Carlo Rally was regarded as mostly a preparation event prior to the official start of the 2010 WRC season, the Finn made it very clear that he aims for the victory in this week's event.

Unlike in the WRC, Hirvonen will drive the newly-developed Ford Fiesta S2000 car during the Monte Carlo event, which will mark the season opener in the International Rally Challenge. He will not be the only driver competing on a Fiesta for M-Sport, as the British team will also field regular IRC contender Julien Maurin in the Principality.

In addition to improving his racing skills on asphalt – where he is still to win a WRC event ahead of Sebastien Loeb – Hirvonen will also help M-Sport further develop its Fiesta S2000 car ahead of its maiden campaign in world rallying.

I've always had a difficult relationship with this rally. I love the rally when I am not competing on it but when you get there and the conditions are hard then it can be tough. But it's a great challenge and has a long history so it's very important to win this rally,” said Hirvonen, prior to this weekend's Monte Carlo event.

The Fiesta Super 2000 is a new car but I've had a good feeling with it when we have tested on tarmac so I hope we can develop it more and try to win. But I know my rivals have a lot of experience in their cars and did Monte Carlo last year so that will help them,” added the Finn, who's best classification in Monte Carlo was a runner-up spot in the 2008 WRC event.

Since then, the Principality has left the WRC series for good and has become a regular round in the IRC.
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