13.6.2010 - Once again Vesa Hirvonen in troubles at Finnish Rally Championship event

Misfortune for Vesa Hirvonen continued in fifth round of Finnish Rally Championship which was driven in the region of Kouvola. Honda Civic Type-R FIN-R driver was in top speed and fighting for podium positions but was forced to retire the event due technical problem in fourth stage.

Hirvonen and his co-driver Jani Salo lead Finnish Youngsters Championship after third stage. Furthermore they were in second position in Finnish Rally Championship 2WD class. At the point of retirement the difference for rally winner Kalle Pinomäki was only 5,5 seconds.

- It was very good to see that I still have my speed. There were some speed in reserve but I didn't want to drive with huge risk. My main goal was in Finnish Youngsters Championship, Hirvonen told.

- In second stage we shared fastest special stage time with Kalle Pinomäki, but unfortunately we were forced to retire the event in fourth stage. We suffered a mysterious electrical problem and car stopped. You can imagine my dissapointment as once again a very good result was taken away from me, Hirvonen continued.

- Before this event I told myself that this rally will show us our next steps in Finnish Rally Championship series. This retirement means that game in Finnish Rally Championship is over for us. We don't have any possibilities to reach good Championship positions and therefore now it's time to make new plans. I won't end rallying, Hirvonen promises.