Post-event press conference - Sweden.

Sunday, 10th February 2008

Drivers / co-driver: Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT), Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen (BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT) and Gigi Galli and Giovanni Bernacchini (Stobart VK M-Sport Ford RT).

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Q:
How does this first win feel?

J-ML:
You always remember that first victory, I’ll never forget it. I hope this gives me more confidence for Mexico. It’s not such an easy rally; I was seventh last year. There are nice rallies towards the end of the year – especially fast rallies, which suit my style. Maybe we can fight for the wins in those rallies.

Q:
Congratulations Miikka on your first win. After Monte-Carlo, did you feel your confidence had taken a knock from that weekend?

Miikka Anttila:
After Monte-Carlo, we didn’t expect the win – we came here for the good result. Everybody was a bit unaware; there was so much discussion about the weather. The main talk was of what kind of conditions and how we could adapt to those conditions.

Q:
Have you seen a difference in Jari-Matti since stepping up to the works team?

MA:
There are some changes – many positive. Of course, when you have time to take care of yourself you have time to come with the fitness and proper sport. He has taken a positive direction. All that he is doing, he is very determined. He knows what he is doing now and knows what is expected of him.

Q:
Congratulations on your second, second position of the year Mikko. It does mean that you are now leading the Drivers’ Championship, the first time in your career you have led. That must be a good feeling?

Mikko Hirvonen:
It feels very, very good. I came here for the win, but Jari-Matti was too good – we couldn’t catch him and then we concentrated on the Drivers’ Championship. Six points ahead is a very good start.

Q:
Your road position wasn’t the best on Friday morning, and it followed into the afternoon after Sébastien Loeb’s retirement. Was it the main reason that you couldn’t match Jari-Matti’s pace?

MH:
Maybe it was a bit down to road position. I could have slowed in Monte-Carlo to tenth or eighth to get the position...! That’s how it is, there might be a few surprises on Friday (in Mexico) – we will have to wait and see.

Q:
When Loeb retired on Friday, was it a case of just holding position, or were you determined to push Jari-Matti still? When did you realise that you couldn’t catch him?