Hirvonen Feels Sorry for Loeb

Although Mikko Hirvonen won the Rally Australia event over the course of last weekend, the Finnish driver admitted he doesn't quite feel like a winner. On the dusty roads of New South Wales, the Ford driver only managed the runner-up spot in the timetable, but was later promoted to first place following Sebastien Loeb's one-minute penalty handed by the Aussie stewards.{AD}

Apparently, there was a technical infringement that triggered that penalty – confirmed and admitted by the Citroen Total Team – and Loeb was forced to see all his efforts go down the drain because of a mistake made by his team.

Hirvonen therefore put some 2 more points between him and title holder Loeb in the overall classification, as he is now 5 points clear of the Frenchman with two rounds to go. Theoretically, he only needs to finish runner-up in the upcoming 2 events in order to clinch his maiden WRC crown in career.

Regardless of this prospect, Hirvonen admitted he can only feel sorry for Loeb and revealed he was not able to fully celebrate his success on Monday morning.

“It's a shame that after such a thrilling battle for three days the result of the rally is decided in the stewards' room. I suffered a points loss in Portugal two years ago, so I know how Sebastien, in particular, must feel tonight. This decision has a major effect on the championship standings and we now go to Spain with a five point lead,” said Hirvonen for WRC's official site.

The upcoming round of the WRC will get under way in early October - 2nd thru 4th – in Spain.