Drivers: Mikko Hirvonen (BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team), Petter Solberg (Petter Solberg MSN), Sebastien Loeb (Citroen Total World Rally Team) and Dani Sordo (Citroen Total World Rally Team)


Q:
Mikko, you come to Spain in the lead of the Championship by five points. Citroën has dominated this event for the past five years – what is the realistic hope for you and Ford this weekend?

Mikko Hirvonen:
I'm glad I'm in a position to fight until the end. With two rallies to go, it's nothing. Anything can happen. I'll try for second and we'll see. I haven't been strong enough previously and Friday here has been a difficult day for me [in the past].

Q:
How much preparation has gone into this weekend in terms of tarmac training?

MH:
It's been the same as in previous years. We did our normal test and some training with a guy in the UK. It was just for one day, it gives me the chance to get my head into tarmac, just getting my thoughts again to driving on tarmac – we'll see on Friday if it's been beneficial.

Q:
Team Principal Malcolm Wilson calls you the 'Ice Man' because you are cool under pressure – do you agree and do you feel the pressure mounting?

MH:
It's really… I don't know. That's the first time I have heard of that. I'm from Finland, it's pretty cold with snow and ice… I don't feel the pressure. Anything can happen. It's been really good all year. I don't know how I do it, but the position doesn't bother me at all.

Q:
On Ford's press release there's a quote saying you feel you have proved things to yourself this year. What did you mean?

MH:
I have had a lot of experiences through this year. I have showed to myself that I can be fast enough. That's it.

Q:
Petter, was it tough to miss out on competing in Australia?

Petter Solberg:
Definitely. It's not good fun to stay at home and see the guys enjoying great roads. But that's part of the game. We have to look forward and look towards next year. I was working while I was at home, I was planning these two rallies [Catalunya and GB] and it takes a lot of work.

Q:
This will be the first time you get to drive the C4 competitively – what is your aim position-wise?

PS:
The car is great. I have tested it for two days. Many years ago, I sat in a car like that. It takes time to get the rhythm. I haven't driven a tarmac rally since Corsica last year – it's coming. I hope to improve my speed through the weekend and then we will see what happens on Sunday.

Q:
You will be nominated for Manufacturer points with the Citroën Junior Team at Rally GB – do you believe you have the car now to go out and win that event?

PS: