30.1.2010 - Vesa Hirvonen in excellent speed at Arctic Lapland Rally

For Flying Finn Vesa Hirvonen the Finnish Rally Championship season 2010 had a two-sided start. Honda Civic Type-R driver start the rally by driving top stage times. However due electrical problem he was forced to loose third position in fifth stage of the day.

Due time loss he suffered during the stage Hirvonen dropped to eight position in opening round of Finnish Rally Championship series.

On Saturday the second round of the series was driven. Hirvonen was able to drive steady performance and made ane fastest special stage time in SM2-class. After six special stages of second round Hirvonen and his co-driver took fourth highest Championship points.

- I'm not satisfied at all. The electric problem we suffered in first rally day caused a big dissapointment even during the whole rally our speed was very good, Hirvonen told.

- On second rally day my car's wheel angles were mixed up and due lack of studs we had on our tyres in final stage we were forced to loose one position. After all misfortune I still feel very positive. I proven myself that my speed is very good as long as the car works. We'll be expecting a very tight season as in this season it seems that many driver can drive to Championship points in every rally, Hirvonen continued.

Both rounds for Finnish Rally Championship SM2-group was won by Renault driver Kalle Pinomäki. Naturally he's also leading the series. Hirvonen shares fifth position.

Finnish Rally Championship series continues on February 20th in a rally which is to be driven in surroundings of Mikkeli.