BP Ford's
Mikko Hirvonen has said that he will be keeping a close eye on his team-mate, Marcus Gronholm on Sunday, in order to ensure the double world champion doesn't give him one last lesson and snatch away the win.
Hirvonen has led the Wales Rally GB, the final round in the 2007
FIA World Rally Championship, from the off and while Gronholm did cut the gap between them from 39.6 seconds overnight to 30.3 seconds post-SS11, Marcus had handling difficulties in the penultimate test, SS12, and in the end Mikko ended the day with a 35.7 second cushion.
Speaking following the second leg, Hirvonen admitted that while today's stages were a bit tougher for him, as he hadn't driven them since 2004, the improved weather conditions were definitely a bonus.
“It was certainly easier driving than yesterday,” said the 27-year-old. “Although we had some rain the visibility was better and I could see where I was going.
“That's two days down now and one to go, and I'm still at the front so I'm not complaining about the conditions too much.
“I was too cautious on the first stage this morning and Marcus took some time back so I pushed as hard as I could after that.
"On the middle stage this afternoon I went straight on at a slippery asphalt junction but that made me even more determined.
“It will be good now to wake up in the morning in the lead, but I'm not taking anything for granted.
"Marcus might want to give me one last lesson before he retires so I will have to stay alert and keep the pace high to keep him behind me.”
