As already reported by several media channels earlier this year, Pirelli will only supply the WRC teams with gravel tires throughout the Cyprus event, which will make the stages even more trickier to approach. This measure was taken by the rally officials as a response to teams' request to save money for the aforementioned event.
However, Hirvonen feels ready to take on the new challenge, as the conditions in Cyprus might actually work for him during the next weekend. The unpredictability of the situation can only help the Finnish driver in his quest for his maiden win this season.
“The car moves around more on gravel rubber and it's necessary to turn into corners earlier and to brake sooner. It's difficult to predict what will happen because we've never had to do this but I'm ready for the challenge,” said the Ford driver.
“The stages in Cyprus are so twisty that there are sections where a driver thinks he's going too slowly. But to push too hard risks the car sliding wide and losing momentum. It's important to be patient and believe that other drivers are having just the same thoughts. It's said a lot, but this rally is unique in the championship.
Rally Cyprus will get under way on March 13th through 15th and will count as the 3rd round of the 2009 WRC calendar.
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