"I promised Malcolm Wilson I would lead the championship going into my home rally in Finland next month and I am. It was the right moment for a win because we struggled on the last round in Greece and this is perfect timing. It feels very special to beat a four-time world champion in a straight fight," reflected the 27-year-old, who felt ill throughout the rally and was unable to eat.
"Our tactics worked so well and I didn't panic this morning when I was first on the road and had to sweep the stages. This is my best result because it was such a big team effort. It looks like it will be an exciting championship battle in the second half of the season."
Latvala meanwhile took the runners-up spot and while he tried to beat Hirvonen in the end he had to settle for 'silver'. Jari still enjoyed a very strong event though, especially as this was only his second outing on the Kemer-based round.
Like Mikko he notched up four stage wins, ending the event on a high by setting the pace in the final test. He now moves up to third in the drivers' championship, 3 points ahead of
Chris Atkinson and 22 points off Loeb.
The
BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT also extends its lead over
Citroen in the manufacturers', following Hirvonen and Latvala's one-two finish - the first time this year the M-Sport squad has managed to lock out the top two places - taking the gap up from two points to nine.
"I came here wanting a top three finish so I'm pleased I was able to fight for victory," said Jari. "I lacked experience of these roads but that wasn't as big a disadvantage as I thought. We played good tactics and it was a big risk, but a good decision. I've learned to keep my driving tidy. I was kind on my tyres for the first half of the final stage and that paid off. This has given a major boost to my confidence."
Loeb for his part was third at the finish and while not happy to have to play the 'road sweeper', he conceded at the end of Friday's leg that had he been in the same position as the Fords, he would have done the same.
