by Rob Wilkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH MIKKO HIRVONEN: CLICK HERE
Mikko Hirvonen was on hand to help the 'Blue Oval' unveil its new-look for the 2008
FIA World Rally Championship at the Autosport International Show this week.
Crash.net Radio caught up with the Finn there and got his thoughts ahead of the season opening, Rallye Monte Carlo, which gets underway in just two weeks time...
Crash.net:
Mikko, what have you made of the Autosport International Show so far?
Mikko Hirvonen:
To be honest so far I haven't seen a lot. I have only just come and done some interviews and signed some autographs. There is a lot of people though and a lot of stands for different cars and products. Definitely I am going to go and have a look at what is out there.
Crash.net:
What do you think of Ford's new livery?
MH:
It is very colourful - for sure! I need a bit of time to get use to it but overall I think it is OK.
Crash.net:
How has your preparation been going for the new season?
MH:
I took it quite steady over Christmas and the New Year. Last year was very busy and so I just wanted to relax and enjoy being home with the family. We did some testing before Christmas and now we start again next week. So far it [my preparation] has been very good.
Crash.net:
What do you think of the new Pirelli tyres?
MH:
We have done one test for Monte Carlo and one for Sweden as well and for sure it will be different to last season. Now we will have only one tyre compound for the rallies and there will be many moments when we can't choose the right compound for the conditions. It is going to be different. But it is just about which team or driver learns to use the tyres best in the different conditions. I think it will be a good change for the championship.
