Crash.net:
Will you have to change your driving style now anti-deflation devices have been outlawed?
MH:
I don't think it will change that much. In tarmac rallies you have to be more careful in the recce and really check the places where you can cut. But they are making the tyres stronger anyway and so on snow and gravel the driving style is not going to change at all.
Crash.net:
You have a new team-mate this year, are you looking forward to working with Jari-Matti Latvala?
MH:
Yeah, he proved his speed last season and there is no question he is going to be very fast this year as well. It is good to have another Finn in the team again. I really had a good time with Marcus [Gronholm] and it makes some small things easier when you can just talk Finnish. I am sure we are going to get along quite well.
Crash.net:
Are you going to miss Marcus and do you think the team will miss his input?
MH:
I am sure everyone will miss him - and his comments and his experience. But he decided to retire and luckily I had two very good years to work with him. Now though times have changed and it is up to us to keep Finland at the top of rallying.
Crash.net:
What are your aims for the season opening, Rallye Monte Carlo? Is it a case of damage limitation and just to try and get some solid points?
MH:
No, I think if I want to win the title I need to go to all the rallies and try and win. Of course, like always, it depends on what the weather does. But still I just need to go there and try and win the rally - and if I can’t then I will try to be second.
Crash.net:
What weather conditions would you prefer on the Monte? I guess you would prefer it snowy, rather than how it was last year...
MH:
Last year when it was a dry tarmac rally it didn’t really feel like the Rallye Monte Carlo. You always need some ice and some snow and tricky conditions. That is the
real Monte. Hopefully we will have that this year.
Crash.net:
Are you looking forward to that event, especially as there will be four-days of proper stages?
