Mikko Hirvonen has said that he is ready to step-up and lead the BP Ford World Rally Team next season.

Hirvonen, who looks almost certain to be promoted to the number one seat, following Marcus Gronholm's decision to retire, claimed the third WRC win of his career on Sunday in Japan.

Mikko put in a convincing performance in 'The Land of the Rising Sun' and while a number of his rivals crashed out, including Gronholm and Citroen's Sebastien Loeb, the 27-year-old kept it on the road and eventually took the win by nearly 40 seconds.

Speaking in the post-event press conference when asked if he thinks he is ready to fight with Loeb in 2008, Mikko replied: "Yes for sure."

"I don't know what's going to happen, but I'll be trying," he continued. "There will be new things next year: new rallies and new tyres. I feel very comfortable, but it's not just going to be me and Sebastien.

"Dani [Sordo] and Henning [Solberg] are going to be there with other drivers as well. There are so many changes next year, we have to wait and see."

As for this season though, his focus remains firmly on helping Gronholm go out at the top: "I really would like Marcus to take the title and because it's his last year, I want to help him get it," Mikko added.

"It's been very good with Marcus for the last two years; he has done a great deal to help me, which is why I will do as much as I can for him."