Killer instinct?? You either have it or you don't. He's not suddenly going to find it now he's in his thirties.....
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Killer instinct?? You either have it or you don't. He's not suddenly going to find it now he's in his thirties.....
Either way, he did seem to find that little extra when Loeb chasing. He just needs to dig deep again.
Maybe I'm dreaming a bit as I'd hate to see him retire just yet.
Sometimes it´s only small changes needed. Pacenotes - mental training - physical condition - and motivation. Strenghten one or two of these maybe helps him enough?
Of course a good car is needed as well. malcolm has to improve the Fiesta also.
Exactly, didn't JML have some sort of mental training to boost his self belief and up his game a bit?
It's funny that some think Hirvonen has found his mojo or sth after one solid rally and forgetting that for the last 9 or so months he hasn't been showing any spark. Even at his home event he wasn't pushing.
At Rally Finland Hirvonen clocked once 2nd, 3rd and 4th fastest time. Eleven times he was 5th fastest. Five times he was sixth fast, four times seventh fastest and twice 9th.
Guys, you need to let him go. Occasional flashes of speed don't prove anything before that speed isn't constant.
Hirvonen has been a serious title contender.
Loeb said once he was the toughest bone of all his rivals due to his speed, specialties (Sve, Fin) and consistency.
Mikko is now cruising for fun and making a living; collecting decent results and i don't expect any change in his speed whatever team he drives for.
Except if he decides to go, he should have a seat in the 2015 WRC.
He is 4th overall in the standings. Doesn´t it convince you anything at all?Quote:
Originally Posted by Franky
Mikko was 4th in the drivers series in a Citroen last year.
Yes. And?
Man, I appreciate that you are protecting like crazy one of your heroes but Hirvonen just doesn't have it anymore. I was also really hoping that he would find that something extra again this season with Ford and be quick but he hasn't.
Take Rally Sweden for example, Tänak comes back after missing out basically 1.5 years and is faster than him. After the first day Wilson told Tänak to slow down because Tänak isn't competing in championship. And compared to Mikko, Ott has basically zero experience.
In Finland he was just nowhere, i mean FINLAND, the rally where he should be very fast. On tarmac Elfyn is kicking his ass except Spain but this one rally doesn't make him the best driver after VW guys.
Yeah he is 4th in the standings but so what? You think that satisfies him or Mr.Wilson? He is just very stable but on pure speed he isn't the 4th fastest guy this season.
I meant to add 4x driver runner up spot too :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallyper
I don't mind if Hirvonen drivers for fun in a private car, in fact good for everybody. But in factory team (as much as M-Sport are), this is little too much for me as I like to see some serious contenders in those teams. I know VW are light years ahead at the moment, but still some younger drivers can bring some more excitement than just "cruising" to finish and gather the points which VW drivers (occasionally), Neuville & Meeke leave for grant.
Not protecting. Just finding out that there are no other drivers having his qualities. But - on the other hand sooner or later one has to give place for runner ups, of course. So you point out the guy who´s currently a replacer of Mikko.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
I hope that he will have a drive in the future as the only statistics in which he can overtake master Loeb is in WRC starts... :)
TänakQuote:
Originally Posted by Rallyper
Yes, they are. They're alone in the "decently funded" category. Fact is the same situation has not happened before, even in 2003+ years and there has always been more than 2 capable contenders.Quote:
Originally Posted by stefanvv
About Hirvonen, there is nothing new to see drivers 'cruising' in the WRC after the peak of their career.
Sainz was probably the best at it.
4th in the WRC standings is one heck of a good and respectable performance by Hirvonen and MSport.
Hirvonen staying in the WRC is no harm done to the sport, a lesson in consistency and finishing a rally and good to E.Evans.
Hirovnen had enough of the WRC and WRC had enough of him... bye bye...
+100000000Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
Lol. That's utter drivel and you know it!Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
Anyone who pays can stay. He's still good to watch, has some pace, and has always been a pleasant chap.
May be the change in rubber will help him? Seemed to make some difference in Spain.
If he goes, there will be more "ladyboys" in Top10 ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
Absolutely, everyone loves a 'ladyboy'.Quote:
Originally Posted by pantealex
This thread is really funny:D
Well, it would mesh well with the WRC's planned expansion into the Thai market. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by pantealex
those are tourists with sunglasses...Quote:
Originally Posted by pantealex
What are ERC ladyboys then?
you guys should study more.... you are all below par when it comes to "names" do not force me to punish you.... now for the last timeQuote:
Originally Posted by Doon
now for the last time ERC is ladycup competition
All those saudi/eastern european/north european peasants who they only thing they have is money and nothing more are tourists with sunglasses
Ladyboys are those little girls over at that sport who go around in circles and have those miserable excuses for human beings who watch that sport and care about what hair products each of those girls wear....
get your facts straight...
Spot on N.O.T.! Are you or any other forum folk doing Rally GB? Would be nice to al meet up at Dyfnant? I'm meeting the Rallytravel guys there (top blokes!)Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
The stupid trains from Oxford to Wrexham derailed my plans... was planning to spectate Friday/Saturday but then i had to catch the train from Wrexham at 10 at night which takes 11 hours to get to Oxford... and the train previous to that was at 6 so i could only watch 1 ss on satruday.... so not going to happen... if the championship was on the line i would do it but now it doesn't worth the time or money
You're quite unfair to the drivers competing at Le Mans 24 Hours. It is still one of the toughest races in the world.Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
@N.O.T. Can a ladyboy adapt to be a real man when doing well in WRC? Like RK or even Kimi (whom we haven´t seen for the last time in WRC - not less what he can achieve)?
Also the ladycup-boys, can they adapt?
I wonder where all those "men" in WRC came from...
I am going all 4 days, but not sure if I am doing Dyfnant yet. Where else are you going? (better move this discussion in the WRGB though)Quote:
Originally Posted by Doon
Shame, it always difficult to rely on public transport to spectate rallies. pm me if you want and if I can help somehow it would be greatQuote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
As the WRC has dropped most of its endurance, it could be argued that the WEC is tougher....Quote:
Originally Posted by stefanvv
Can't do the whole event as sadly out of leave but I'll be driving to Wales on Friday eve and staying near Llangollen
Not sure stages yet but prob start with Clocaenog
Mikko Hirvonen takes his final bow:
http://www.mikkohirvonen.com/mikkothfb/
Mikko decides to leave officially http://www.mikkohirvonen.com/mikkothfb/.
:(.
Good luck for the future Mikko, you were always a spectacular driver to watch and a great character for the sport.Quote:
Originally Posted by Francis44
Very good decision, he was a real fighter for some years and gave the best driver of all times a real fight taking the battle to the last round.
It is a pity he ends his career on a low but props to him for realising that the time has come... all the best Mikko in everything you do from now on.
Has Mikko been signed up for a few European cross country rallies in something like the nwm Ford Ranger? He could give the Dakar a go if it works out, being a mechanic might be helpful.
I feel it is the correct time for him to go. It was clear from this season that he didnt have the motivation to fight on. Lets hope for a great Rally in Wales to finish his career on a high!
Interview with wrc.com
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/media/podc...114--80--.html