Mikko hirvonen 2015?

[satukata]

An news what Mikko is going to do 2015?

Mikko was great in Rally Catalonia and really deserves top wrc seat 2015.

Mikko is best no VW driver in championship with old Ford!

Mikko have technical problem in Monte and Car burned in Portugal..

What Mikko can do if He and Mikkelsen change places?
Every year Mikko was better than JM when they were teammates...

WRC needs HIRVONEN

2015 Mikko and Huyndai or Toyota sounds good!

[N.O.T]

yes... but he is ugly... so better go home.

[EightGear]

Are you going to start a topic about every Finnish driver?

If so:

Latvala (JML for N.O.T.): yes deserves a seat.
Ketomaa: no doesn't
Gronholm: retired and too old.
Kankunnen: what do you think?
Makinen: same
Gardemeister: no

[Mintexmemory]

Are you going to start a topic about every Finnish driver?

If so:

Latvala (JML for N.O.T.): yes deserves a seat.
Ketomaa: no doesn't
Gronholm: retired and too old.
Kankunnen: what do you think?
Makinen: same
Gardemeister: no

Korhonen and Nikara for WRC2 since we're on a roll!!!

[satukata]

Hirvonen and Lappi are top and hot drivers in drivers markets now. their future seats are big question? Im sorry if you don´t like flying finns.

If you want to win take finn (or Sebastian from France ;) )

[Franky]

If I'd paraphrase N.O.T then the flying Finns have gotten a severe beating and they aren't flying very high any more.

[satukata]

what is your bet what Mikko is going to do 2015?

[denkimi]

what is your bet what Mikko is going to do 2015?
retire, or try to find sponsors to pay for his seat and fight to be the best of the rest.

[Mintexmemory]

Private Fiesta if he can get a deal - limited programme,maybe Europe only

[satukata]

I spoke with Mikko in Rally Finland and He spoke that maybe not full season 2015?? There is rumours.. Mikko and Toyota?

[N.O.T]

Mikko would be good choice for Toyota for next year... both are staying home. They can change him if they decide to join the sport.

[satukata]

Mikko showed his potential as a test driver in rally spain.. He was very fast wiht new michelin tyres after good 2 days testing.. Young drives like andreas Jm and Evans were in troubles with settings. I hope Mikko do the same like Ogier made with VW. 1 year testing with Toyota is good change for future.

[denkimi]

Mikko showed his potential as a test driver in rally spain.. He was very fast wiht new michelin tyres after good 2 days testing.. Young drives like andreas Jm and Evans were in troubles with settings. I hope Mikko do the same like Ogier made with VW. 1 year testing with Toyota is good change for future.
that could indeed be his future. a test driver.

[Rallyper]

So tell me the guys who are faster except for the VW -boys? Kris? Maybe. Mads? Sometimes. Elfyn? Maybe occationally - hopefully more often in the future. Robert? No. So who is there to replace Mikko?

[satukata]

So tell me the guys who are faster except for the VW -boys? Kris? Maybe. Mads? Sometimes. Elfyn? Maybe occationally - hopefully more often in the future. Robert? No. So who is there to replace Mikko?

Good words!

Mikko was very fast on tarmac and gravel in spain. he is 4th in championship. who you say is better rally driver than Mikko?

[satukata]

http://www.ewrc-results.com/results.php?e=13902&s=64850&t=RallyRACC-Catalunya-Costa-Daurada-2014

Mikko was only 0,1 sec/km slower than ogier in 50km tarmac stage in Spain. That was something!!

And only 0,27 sec/km slower than winner in whole rally!

What you boys say about that? Who you say can do beter with Ford?

[Mintexmemory]

http://www.ewrc-results.com/results.php?e=13902&s=64850&t=RallyRACC-Catalunya-Costa-Daurada-2014

Mikko was only 0,1 sec/km slower than ogier in 50km tarmac stage in Spain. That was something!!

And only 0,27 sec/km slower than winner in whole rally!

What you boys say about that? Who you say can do beter with Ford?

So how many wins in the last 4 years? Time for M Sport to look to the future

[stefanvv]

Fiesta might be little slower than VW, but not from other cars. So far Hirvonen, Evans & Meeke have 5 PS points. That sounds not good for Meeke who is most of the time after Ogier & Latvala in speed, but what about Hirvonen vs Evans. This is Evans 1st full wrc year after all. Hirvonen has nothing more to achieve and he knows it. For me the PS is true measuring of cars speed.

[Mintexmemory]

Stefan, I haven't done the maths but I imagine that Mikko's ratio of PS points to PS starts is the lowest. He gets to take part in PS by not competing on days 1 and 2

[stefanvv]

I haven't done the math either, watch it here - http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/. There is no statistics for PS starts there, but I'm almost sure You're right about the ratio.

[christy but]

I don't think miko is finished in wrc just yet.hopefully not anyway.seems to be a really nice guy.and he is very quick.not quickest but 4th in the championship after whats considered a poor year for him just shows if he had a good year he would be battling seb and jari

[Doon]

Mikko hasn't had a great season, but only three people have.......and they were all driving a VW Polo.

Ok, he hasn't looked very enthusiastic or determined, but only the newbies (Meeke) and young ones (Paddon, Evans) haven't realised yet that fighting VW in far less superior equipment is absolutely futile. Sordo has also looked uninterested compared to his old self, and rightly so. The old hands are possibly thinking, sod this our cars are totally sh*te compared to the VW so why bother risking a major shunt trying to keep up.

To be fair the only car that is possible of keeping up is the Citroen, in the right hands (Loeb), but Meeke doesn't have the experience and Ostberg will never be fast enough.

Why not increase the excitement of the championship by saying a driver can only stay with one team for 2 consecutive full seasons? Better idea than all the gimmicky rubbish they keep coming up with.

[stefanvv]

Sordo has also looked uninterested compared to his old self, and rightly so.

Don't agree for Sordo. There were some bent bonnets and doors of his Hyundai from his hands and feet first few Rallies this year. This shows some motivation.

[Doon]

Don't agree for Sordo. There were some bent bonnets and doors of his Hyundai from his hands and feet first few Rallies this year. This shows some motivation.

No it doesn't. It only shows he frustrated with a rubbish car. After kicking and punching a few panels he gave in a succumbed to the inevitable.........let the VWs dominate, resistance is futile.

[janvanvurpa]

what is your bet what Mikko is going to do 2015?

F-cup. Better than WRC anyway. deeper competition. Last F-cup event I look at SS times and in senior I see 1st all the way thru 48th in same minute---less than same minute really..
That is much better test when that many people are so close...

Of course no salary, but he seems like a smart guy and has probably saved a lot of money from all the years in WRC..

[AndyRAC]

Mikko has expressed an interest in doing Mull in his Escort Mk2..... Now that would be good to see.

[janvanvurpa]

Mikko has expressed an interest in doing Mull in his Escort Mk2..... Now that would be good to see.

Oh dear! I was up in beautiful Congleton back in Nov 2000 picking up a roller ex works gravel spec Sapphy and and it was club nite--Thursday? and guys were telling of their misadventures up at Tour of Mull....seems there was a bit of sipping the local uisge beatha ....Phrases such as "I wuz fawkin near blind!!!, Had a great time" and "flat on my face. Dead. had a great time" ""poor bastid din't arrive home till Wednesday, too pissed. Had a great time"
Common thread was "Had a great time"*....So even with the weather at Mull--which a Finn would consider ordinary little summer drizzle---I would bet he would have a great time..
You seen how clean he drives his Escort? Nice.. Not insanely sideways, but right sideways.




*this contrasted with everybodys experience going to as they called it "Fawkin rally of fawkin South Wales" which you may call "the WRC" which I call "Dubya Arsey"....universal disgust. Granted that was a long time ago.. I'm positive its sooooooooooooooo much better now.:rolleyes:

[denkimi]

So tell me the guys who are faster except for the VW -boys? Kris? Maybe. Mads? Sometimes. Elfyn? Maybe occationally - hopefully more often in the future. Robert? No. So who is there to replace Mikko?

if we don't talk about reliability:
mikkelsen, ogier, latvala, neuville, meeke and kubica are definitely faster. i would rate him about evenly fast as evans or ostberg at this moment. but since those may improve, while he's only going to become slower they are the better choice.

[Rallyper]

if we don't talk about reliability:
mikkelsen, ogier, latvala, neuville, meeke and kubica are definitely faster. i would rate him about evenly fast as evans or ostberg at this moment. but since those may improve, while he's only going to become slower they are the better choice.

Why shouldn´t we talk reliability? Isn´t that what counts in the end, regarding all other quotes in this forum.

[denkimi]

Why shouldn´t we talk reliability? Isn´t that what counts in the end, regarding all other quotes in this forum.
because you asked who's faster. ;)

lets see what evans or kubica can do next year. they are still learning.

[Rallyper]

because you asked who's faster. ;)

lets see what evans or kubica can do next year. they are still learning.

OK, my bad putting maybe wrong words. But he is among guys who is fastest after the VW buch of guys and in finishes. Standings prove that.

[stefanvv]

OK, my bad putting maybe wrong words. But he is among guys who is fastest after the VW buch of guys and in finishes. Standings prove that.

You're right, Hirvonen is the most reliable driver of the after VW bunch. But most of the people don't care for reliability, but learning and fighting with the best. Hirvonen is on the same level for many years, and I'm afraid year after year this is crushing him. Not very spectacular isn't it? Nothing to cheer for....

[Talbot]

I had hopes for Mikko going well this year, on his return to Ford. Does his apparent lacklustre season really deny his best of the non-VW pack result credibility?

[Rallyper]

I had hopes for Mikko going well this year, on his return to Ford. Does his apparent lacklustre season really deny his best of the non-VW pack result credibility?

For sure. Who should replace him in doing much better?

[HMTT]

Toyota WRC and Tommi Mäkinen Racing??? Tommi has been in Japan again and that is not a Sauna trip;)

[N.O.T]

No... go away.

[Talbot]

I guess there are other factors outside Mikko's results that would also determine whether or not he has a seat at MSport or not next year. Such as do they have a long awaited sponsorship deal for 2015, or are they looking to bring in a younger driver such as Tanak and spend the money on car development?

[Rallyper]

Or can they afford to have Mikko or do they need cashflow? I think many of you guys are unfair to Mikko. He deserves a place in WRC 2015.

[AndyRAC]

If a team thinks he can offer them something, they'll take him. If not, he'll have to pay. Simple. He's always been consistent, but his pace seems to have gone; though were it came from in Catalunya is a mystery. I know he's 4th in the standings, but they don't tell the full story.

I want to see him on a Mull in an Escort MkII

[Talbot]

I agree, Mikko should retain his seat next year.
I do think though that he needs to get some more of a killer instinct about him. I recall him saying during his Loeb chasing days that he needed to push harder, to be in with a chance of beating him. Maybe he's slipped unwittingly back into safe mode again, and needs that extra bit of motivation.

[AndyRAC]

Killer instinct?? You either have it or you don't. He's not suddenly going to find it now he's in his thirties.....

[Talbot]

Either way, he did seem to find that little extra when Loeb chasing. He just needs to dig deep again.
Maybe I'm dreaming a bit as I'd hate to see him retire just yet.

[Rallyper]

Sometimes it´s only small changes needed. Pacenotes - mental training - physical condition - and motivation. Strenghten one or two of these maybe helps him enough?

Of course a good car is needed as well. malcolm has to improve the Fiesta also.

[Talbot]

Exactly, didn't JML have some sort of mental training to boost his self belief and up his game a bit?

[Franky]

It's funny that some think Hirvonen has found his mojo or sth after one solid rally and forgetting that for the last 9 or so months he hasn't been showing any spark. Even at his home event he wasn't pushing.

At Rally Finland Hirvonen clocked once 2nd, 3rd and 4th fastest time. Eleven times he was 5th fastest. Five times he was sixth fast, four times seventh fastest and twice 9th.

Guys, you need to let him go. Occasional flashes of speed don't prove anything before that speed isn't constant.

[Karukera]

Hirvonen has been a serious title contender.
Loeb said once he was the toughest bone of all his rivals due to his speed, specialties (Sve, Fin) and consistency.
Mikko is now cruising for fun and making a living; collecting decent results and i don't expect any change in his speed whatever team he drives for.
Except if he decides to go, he should have a seat in the 2015 WRC.

[Rallyper]

It's funny that some think Hirvonen has found his mojo or sth after one solid rally and forgetting that for the last 9 or so months he hasn't been showing any spark.

He is 4th overall in the standings. Doesn´t it convince you anything at all?

[Talbot]

Mikko was 4th in the drivers series in a Citroen last year.

[Rallyper]

Yes. And?

[EstWRC]

Man, I appreciate that you are protecting like crazy one of your heroes but Hirvonen just doesn't have it anymore. I was also really hoping that he would find that something extra again this season with Ford and be quick but he hasn't.
Take Rally Sweden for example, Tänak comes back after missing out basically 1.5 years and is faster than him. After the first day Wilson told Tänak to slow down because Tänak isn't competing in championship. And compared to Mikko, Ott has basically zero experience.
In Finland he was just nowhere, i mean FINLAND, the rally where he should be very fast. On tarmac Elfyn is kicking his ass except Spain but this one rally doesn't make him the best driver after VW guys.
Yeah he is 4th in the standings but so what? You think that satisfies him or Mr.Wilson? He is just very stable but on pure speed he isn't the 4th fastest guy this season.

[Talbot]

Yes. And?

I meant to add 4x driver runner up spot too :-)

[stefanvv]

I don't mind if Hirvonen drivers for fun in a private car, in fact good for everybody. But in factory team (as much as M-Sport are), this is little too much for me as I like to see some serious contenders in those teams. I know VW are light years ahead at the moment, but still some younger drivers can bring some more excitement than just "cruising" to finish and gather the points which VW drivers (occasionally), Neuville & Meeke leave for grant.

[Rallyper]

Man, I appreciate that you are protecting like crazy one of your heroes but Hirvonen just doesn't have it anymore. I was also really hoping that he would find that something extra again this season with Ford and be quick but he hasn't.
Take Rally Sweden for example, Tänak comes back after missing out basically 1.5 years and is faster than him. After the first day Wilson told Tänak to slow down because Tänak isn't competing in championship. And compared to Mikko, Ott has basically zero experience.
In Finland he was just nowhere, i mean FINLAND, the rally where he should be very fast. On tarmac Elfyn is kicking his ass except Spain but this one rally doesn't make him the best driver after VW guys.
Yeah he is 4th in the standings but so what? You think that satisfies him or Mr.Wilson? He is just very stable but on pure speed he isn't the 4th fastest guy this season.

Not protecting. Just finding out that there are no other drivers having his qualities. But - on the other hand sooner or later one has to give place for runner ups, of course. So you point out the guy who´s currently a replacer of Mikko.

[jonkka]

I hope that he will have a drive in the future as the only statistics in which he can overtake master Loeb is in WRC starts... :)

[EstWRC]

Not protecting. Just finding out that there are no other drivers having his qualities. But - on the other hand sooner or later one has to give place for runner ups, of course. So you point out the guy who´s currently a replacer of Mikko.
Tänak

[Karukera]

VW are light years ahead at the moment

Yes, they are. They're alone in the "decently funded" category. Fact is the same situation has not happened before, even in 2003+ years and there has always been more than 2 capable contenders.

About Hirvonen, there is nothing new to see drivers 'cruising' in the WRC after the peak of their career.
Sainz was probably the best at it.

4th in the WRC standings is one heck of a good and respectable performance by Hirvonen and MSport.
Hirvonen staying in the WRC is no harm done to the sport, a lesson in consistency and finishing a rally and good to E.Evans.

[N.O.T]

Hirovnen had enough of the WRC and WRC had enough of him... bye bye...

[nafpaktos]

Hirovnen had enough of the WRC and WRC had enough of him... bye bye...

+100000000

[Doon]

Hirovnen had enough of the WRC and WRC had enough of him... bye bye...

Lol. That's utter drivel and you know it!

Anyone who pays can stay. He's still good to watch, has some pace, and has always been a pleasant chap.

May be the change in rubber will help him? Seemed to make some difference in Spain.

[pantealex]

Hirovnen had enough of the WRC and WRC had enough of him... bye bye...

If he goes, there will be more "ladyboys" in Top10 ;)

[Doon]

If he goes, there will be more "ladyboys" in Top10 ;)

Absolutely, everyone loves a 'ladyboy'.

[stefanvv]

This thread is really funny:D

[lewalcindor]

If he goes, there will be more "ladyboys" in Top10 ;)

Well, it would mesh well with the WRC's planned expansion into the Thai market. ;)

[N.O.T]

If he goes, there will be more "ladyboys" in Top10 ;)

those are tourists with sunglasses...

[Doon]

What are ERC ladyboys then?

[N.O.T]

What are ERC ladyboys then?

you guys should study more.... you are all below par when it comes to "names" do not force me to punish you.... now for the last time

now for the last time ERC is ladycup competition
All those saudi/eastern european/north european peasants who they only thing they have is money and nothing more are tourists with sunglasses
Ladyboys are those little girls over at that sport who go around in circles and have those miserable excuses for human beings who watch that sport and care about what hair products each of those girls wear....

get your facts straight...

[Doon]

you guys should study more.... you are all below par when it comes to "names" do not force me to punish you.... now for the last time

now for the last time ERC is ladycup competition
All those saudi/eastern european/north european peasants who they only thing they have is money and nothing more are tourists with sunglasses
Ladyboys are those little girls over at that sport who go around in circles and have those miserable excuses for human beings who watch that sport and care about what hair products each of those girls wear....

get your facts straight...

Spot on N.O.T.! Are you or any other forum folk doing Rally GB? Would be nice to al meet up at Dyfnant? I'm meeting the Rallytravel guys there (top blokes!)

[N.O.T]

The stupid trains from Oxford to Wrexham derailed my plans... was planning to spectate Friday/Saturday but then i had to catch the train from Wrexham at 10 at night which takes 11 hours to get to Oxford... and the train previous to that was at 6 so i could only watch 1 ss on satruday.... so not going to happen... if the championship was on the line i would do it but now it doesn't worth the time or money

[stefanvv]

Ladyboys are those little girls over at that sport who go around in circles

You're quite unfair to the drivers competing at Le Mans 24 Hours. It is still one of the toughest races in the world.

[Rallyper]

@N.O.T. Can a ladyboy adapt to be a real man when doing well in WRC? Like RK or even Kimi (whom we haven´t seen for the last time in WRC - not less what he can achieve)?
Also the ladycup-boys, can they adapt?

[thuGG]

I wonder where all those "men" in WRC came from...

[makinen_fan]

Spot on N.O.T.! Are you or any other forum folk doing Rally GB? Would be nice to al meet up at Dyfnant? I'm meeting the Rallytravel guys there (top blokes!)

I am going all 4 days, but not sure if I am doing Dyfnant yet. Where else are you going? (better move this discussion in the WRGB though)


The stupid trains from Oxford to Wrexham derailed my plans... was planning to spectate Friday/Saturday but then i had to catch the train from Wrexham at 10 at night which takes 11 hours to get to Oxford... and the train previous to that was at 6 so i could only watch 1 ss on satruday.... so not going to happen... if the championship was on the line i would do it but now it doesn't worth the time or money

Shame, it always difficult to rely on public transport to spectate rallies. pm me if you want and if I can help somehow it would be great

[AndyRAC]

You're quite unfair to the drivers competing at Le Mans 24 Hours. It is still one of the toughest races in the world.

As the WRC has dropped most of its endurance, it could be argued that the WEC is tougher....

[Talbot]

Can't do the whole event as sadly out of leave but I'll be driving to Wales on Friday eve and staying near Llangollen
Not sure stages yet but prob start with Clocaenog

[Kalm]

Mikko Hirvonen takes his final bow:
http://www.mikkohirvonen.com/mikkothfb/

[Francis44]

Mikko decides to leave officially http://www.mikkohirvonen.com/mikkothfb/.

:(.

[bassist]

Mikko decides to leave officially http://www.mikkohirvonen.com/mikkothfb/.

:(.
Good luck for the future Mikko, you were always a spectacular driver to watch and a great character for the sport.

[N.O.T]

Very good decision, he was a real fighter for some years and gave the best driver of all times a real fight taking the battle to the last round.

It is a pity he ends his career on a low but props to him for realising that the time has come... all the best Mikko in everything you do from now on.

[Zeakiwi]

Has Mikko been signed up for a few European cross country rallies in something like the nwm Ford Ranger? He could give the Dakar a go if it works out, being a mechanic might be helpful.

[makinen_fan]

I feel it is the correct time for him to go. It was clear from this season that he didnt have the motivation to fight on. Lets hope for a great Rally in Wales to finish his career on a high!

Interview with wrc.com
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/media/podcasts/page/114--80--.html

[noel157]

Best move really, let some new blood/chequebooks in. Hope he finds something interesting to do 2015.

Will always remember him in the Focus in Finland at the corner Breen rolled. Tail of the car falling into the ditch but kept going. No doubt a video somewhere showing it. Was it Ouninpohja? The days when he had more fire in his belly....

[Mintexmemory]

The announcement hints at some continuing activity with Jarmo - Historic Escort maybe, would love to see him in Kielder on the RAC.
Tanak could do with an excellent co-driver for next year but language might be a difficulty

[nafpaktos]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPv6AbjaAec&feature=youtu.be

[noel157]

Thanks Nafpaktos, nice vid, prepared sometime ago. That corner is at 1.23.

[EstWRC]

great video! thanks a lot Mikko and all the best for the future!

[noel157]

The stupid trains from Oxford to Wrexham derailed my plans... was planning to spectate Friday/Saturday but then i had to catch the train from Wrexham at 10 at night which takes 11 hours to get to Oxford... and the train previous to that was at 6 so i could only watch 1 ss on satruday.... so not going to happen... if the championship was on the line i would do it but now it doesn't worth the time or money

11 hrs to travel 200 kms? Crazy. Steal, borrow or hire a car. Or maybe somebody here could give you a lift?

[AndyRAC]

I think he’s timed it right. The ‘fire’ seems to have gone out, a good 3rd place in Catalunya notwithstanding.
A very good career, plenty of wins; and 2nd places in the WRC behind Loeb is nothing to feel shame about. Never seemed the same after his BIG off in Finland.

Hope he enjoys his retirement – and gets out in his Escort MkII…and comes over for Mull.

I first remember him on the 2002 Cambrian, ahead of another Finn, called Latvala, what happened to him?

[Talbot]

All the best Mikko, thanks for all the great rallying battles we've all enjoyed.
The right decision if your heart is no longer in it.
Don't be a stranger, let's see some UK action with your MK2 :-)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

One of the best drivers I've ever seen for pure speed and would have been a World Champion but for the bad luck to be in the Loeb-era...

Great driver and a really nice guy. It was great to finally meet him at Rally GB last year:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZDW2teIIAAwRiy.jpg

Hope to see him competing somewhere in the future (World RX ?)...

[jonkka]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPv6AbjaAec&feature=youtu.be

Rally driver with an american car? No wonder he's lost the spark...

[nafpaktos]

One of the best drivers I've ever seen for pure speed and would have been a World Champion but for the bad luck to be in the Loeb-era...

I think Hirvonen and pure speed was always big opponents.Also if it wasn´t loeb it would be Tommi,Marcus,Markko,Richard etc, I don't think loeb was the problem.for his driving level second place in the championshipis like 2-3 championships.but he is GREAT GUY and I wish him the best.

[Rallyper]

Best move really, let some new blood/chequebooks in. Hope he finds something interesting to do 2015.

Will always remember him in the Focus in Finland at the corner Breen rolled. Tail of the car falling into the ditch but kept going. No doubt a video somewhere showing it. Was it Ouninpohja? The days when he had more fire in his belly....

Yep, I was there. It was 2007. A disaster was coming but Mikko sorted it out.

His motivation I think ended a couple of years ago. Maybe when he went off on Urria in 2011 (2010? always forget) but adding he got a family to raise maybe played a part.

[Talbot]

Rally driver with an american car? No wonder he's lost the spark...

What's wrong with that? He was out for a lazy drive with his kids.

A few years ago, I had arranged to meet the late great Pentti Airikkala for a drink in his local. After I arrived, he rang me to say he was going to be a little late as he 'was a slow driver' (in his Mercedes).
They don't go flat out all the time :-)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think Hirvonen and pure speed was always big opponents.Also if it wasn´t loeb it would be Tommi,Marcus,Markko,Richard etc, I don't think loeb was the problem.for his driving level second place in the championshipis like 2-3 championships.

Watching him over many years he was the ONLY driver that was competing with Loeb and it was clear they were the only two at the same speed. Loeb was always faster on tarmac and just as quick as Mikko on gravel and also more consistent... but in terms of sheer speed, for many years Mikko was the only one able to match Loeb.

MIKKO’S STATISTICS IN THE WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

Starts: 162

Wins: 15

Runner-up: 28

Podium finishes: 68

Number of stage wins: 259

Points scored: 1,192

https://infogr.am/mikko-hirvonen-statistics

[noel157]

Who invented Twitter! : )

[KiwiWRCfan]

Who invented Twitter! : )

Mikko did not invent twitter
Twitter was created by Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Noah Glass

Sharing memories of Mikko's great career is just one of the many ways to use twitter :-)

[Negaiss]

Yep, I was there. It was 2007. A disaster was coming but Mikko sorted it out.

His motivation I think ended a couple of years ago. Maybe when he went off on Urria in 2011 (2010? always forget) but adding he got a family to raise maybe played a part.

Video here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whBtnPasQp0

[satukata]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2LIE0onlKk MIKKO´s ONE of the best stage ever
Neste Oil Rally Finland - 2011
Stage Classification
SS4 - Hassi (BEST parts rally finland 2011 near Ouninpohja!!)
1. HIRVONEN FORD WRC 11:14.3
2. OGIER CITROEN WRC 11:25.2 + 10.9
3. LOEB CITROEN WRC 11:25.3 + 11.0

[satukata]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLsO-GG5Geo

The craziest moment of Mikko's rally career , and also for me as a spectator. I was with my brother there and my brother is the man in the pink shirt on the first car next to it. in a moment we thought They died when the drivers and all were silent for a long time before anyone came out of the car .

[janvanvurpa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLsO-GG5Geo

The craziest moment of Mikko's rally career , and also for me as a spectator. I was with my brother there and my brother is the man in the pink shirt on the first car next to it. in a moment we thought They died when the drivers and all were silent for a long time before anyone came out of the car .


he drop out after a roll like that???? Jössös! No sisu! Lätt vikt!

Just hit the reset button and start over!

[J4MIE]

Thank you Mikko for some great times, hope you have a good Rally GB and an enjoyable retirement :up:

[satukata]

Thank you Mikko for some great times, hope you have a good Rally GB and an enjoyable retirement :up:

Hope to see more wrc rallies for mikko. Norf 2015 and comeback 2016. Mikko is top 3 driver. He can show great result with old Ford!! Great speed in katalunia and now in GB

[N.O.T]

And you guys want more girls in the WRC....

[Tom206wrc]

A nice result in Wales today sunday for a Farewell :)

Good luck for the coming years Mikko ;)

Why not in Rally-Raid/Dakar :D

[KKS]

I always ask myself, what do a sports star after they retire? Where they get money for life? Do normal job as many others? Don't think so.

[jd_89]

As far as I remember, Mikko was working as a mechanic at some finnish car dealer. He even said, like 2-3 years ago, that if he'll not get any manufacturer seat, he'll return to his job.

And about sports star retirement - these guys are famous, so for example, they easily can become an enterpreneur (e.g. Tommi Mäkinen, Daniel Elena). They gathered many contacs through all their years in sport, so no need to worry about them.

[jonkka]

Most manage to save enough to live off from that, but most also like to engage themselves in various activities (business like Kankkunen or Gronholm, sport governance like Todt or Sainz just other forms of motorsport) to stave off boredom.

[N.O.T]

Bye Bye Mikko...

[bluuford]

Thank you Mikko for good show you have given to us and those good fights with The Champion. It is always hard to tell when it is right time to retire from the sport. You have done it on a high - perfect timing! Enjoy your time with your family! See You in NORF when you celebrate your 40 or 50 :-)

[Talbot]

Cracking final WRC drive Mikko!
Enjoy a well earned retirement, you'll be missed, a true modern day rally legend.
Have to wonder, if Mikko had wanted to carry on if MW would've given him a seat in 2015?

[JTGANG]

Emotional video for his goodbye......Really nice guy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQPBRJI3s_Y

[MTA]

Thank you Mikko!
Just some of the pictures we managed to take over the years, beginning on your first WRC race in 2002.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.673542786076231.1073741864.498772900219888&type=1&l=d090a118b2

[Iron]

Nice pics !

Here some of the pics of my association : (mainly pics from France and ADAC)

http://www.maxicorde.fr/2014/11/best-of-mikko-hirvonen/

[306 Cosworth]

All the clips I filmed of Mikko & Jarmo in Wales

http://youtu.be/lbz05XEYBgI