Finn seeks to extend lead

Abu Dhabi: After a less-than-spectacular result in their home event, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team's 'Flying Finn' Mikko Hirvonen heads into this weekend's Rally Germany determined to extend his championship lead.

Rally Germany, which is round ten of the FIA World Rally Championship, has one of the widest varieties of sealed surfaces and unpredictable weather conditions often complicate the race.

Hirvonen sits one point ahead of Citroen's Sebastien Loeb in the drivers' championship standings.

The Finn knows his Germany performance could be down to the weather as much as own speed as he continues his maiden championship title bid.

"Road conditions are the single most important factor on this rally," said the 28-year old.

"If the weather is dry then it's an enjoyable event with some fast and flowing stages. But if it rains, the roads can be treacherous.

Localised rain

"The rain is often localised as well, which would make it difficult to judge what compound of tyres to use.

"Although on asphalt the advantages and disadvantages aren't as great as on gravel, it's good to be first in the starting order in Germany.

"The first cars pull the mud and dirt onto the road so it makes it harder for those lower down the order.

"There are fast, smooth gravel stages like Finland, lots of rough and bumpy parts too, while the Mosel stages are fast and the car can bounce around a lot - it's going to be tough."

Hirvonen's team-mate, Jari-Matti Latvala had a nightmare Rally Finland where a first day crash saw him restart leg two with a 45-minute penalty effectively ending his event.

But Latvala has completed a rigorous asphalt testing session and was relishing the chance to put his miserable homeland experience behind him.

Good test session

"I have had two really good test days, covering 230km on the first day and 200km on the second, where I learned a lot about the tyres," said Latvala.

"I believe I have a better set-up for this rally than the last asphalt event in Monte Carlo. When the series switches from one surface to another, and especially after a long time away from asphalt, it's important to have the chance of a good test with plenty of kilometres.

"The weather is so important on this rally.

"If it's wet then the countryside stages in Saarland are difficult, if it's dry the vineyard stages are the trickiest.

"They're very technical roads with many tight junctions and the surface is always dirty.

"There will be many asphalt specialists to battle with here but I posted good times on the final day in Monte Carlo so a top five finish is my target," added the Finn.