MH:
He has been very consistent. He use to drive absolutely flat-out and made some mistakes - but now if he doesn’t feel so confident with the car, he takes it a bit more easy and he has been getting some very good results driving like that. Who knows when they get the new car, Chris might be there and fighting for the title as well. He is getting closer and also Jari-Matti is very fast on all the rallies too. There are still a few drivers who can fight for the title.
Crash.net:
Will
Subaru be more of a worry when the team launches it new car?
MH:
We will see what happens. Hopefully they will start to do better - that would be good for everybody, the whole championship.
Crash.net:
You mentioned Jari, do you consider him and Dani Sordo title threats as well?
MH:
Yeah, Jari-Matti for sure - he has been very fast on gravel and he is pretty good on tarmac as well. I am still waiting to see a bit more consistency from Dani on gravel but he did very well in Jordan. Maybe he has found the speed now and I am sure there will be many rallies when it is not only two guys fighting for the win. It might be five or six. That would be very interesting.
Crash.net:
With Dani playing more of a traditional number two role, do you think Jari should do the same and that Ford should put all its efforts behind you in terms of going for the drivers’ crown?
MH:
No, I don’t think Ford will ever make a decision like that. I think at the moment we can both win rallies and we both have a good chance of the drivers’ title as well. I am sure we will be allowed to fight in every rally.
Crash.net:
Have you missed Marcus Gronholm at all this season?
MH:
Yeah, it was a nice two years with him and we had lots of fun. But then again it is one less opponent to fight with - and so in that way it makes it easier! [laughs]
Crash.net:
Final question, how would you like to see the WRC develop in future years? What needs to be done to improve it?
MH:
I think the changes that are coming sound quite interesting and good. Hopefully it will bring more drivers’ and manufacturers’ to the championship. If that happens, it will be great. I am quite pleased with what the
FIA has done.
