Auto News 5

Mikko Hirvonen finally takes his first season victory, but also his first win under Citroën's colors, in rally Italy Sardinia.

Photo: WRC

Hirvonen was the only works driver remaining on Friday evening, after Loeb, Latvala and Solberg went off. The Finn maintained his lead the following days, to take his first win of the season.

Hirvonen concluded the event ahead of three young promising Ford drivers. Evgeny Novikov managed to take a good second place ahead of Ott Tanak, from Estonia, who takes his first WRC podium finish. Mads Ostberg was fourth, after he suffered technical issue on Friday, and lost a possible second place.

Photo: WRC

Sebastien Ogier wins Super 2000 class, and takes fifth overall aboard his Skoda Fabia S2000.

Final classification:
1. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) in 3.23'54”9
2. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'20"6

3. Tanak-Sikk (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 2'21”1

4. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 3'42”9

5. Ogier-Ingrassia (Skoda Fabia S2000) + 4'27”5
6. Atkinson-Prevot (Mini Cooper Wrc) + 5'22”2

7. Mikkelsen-Floene (Skoda Fabia S2000) + 6'12"5

8. Prokop-Hruza (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 9'29”3

9. P. Solberg-Patterson (Ford Fiesta Wrc) + 9'52"3
10. Pedersoli-Romano (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 20'35"6
Etc.