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Mikko Hirvonen will retire from the FIA World Rally Championship following next week's final round of the season at Wales Rally Great Britain.
Following speculation over his 2015 plans, the 34-year-old Finn confirmed Thursday that he will bow out after 13 seasons at the top.
Hirvonen plans to devote more time to his family after a career in which he finished runner-up in the drivers' championship four times, and played a key role in Ford winning back-to-back manufacturers' titles in 2006 and 2007.
He made his WRC debut in 2002 and spent most of his career driving for Ford, apart from a year at Subaru in 2004 and two seasons at Citroen in 2012 and 2013. He returned to Ford this year as lead driver for M-Sport World Rally Team.
Hirvonen has not mentioned yet if he is going to continue racing in another category, such as the rallycross.
Following speculation over his 2015 plans, the 34-year-old Finn confirmed Thursday that he will bow out after 13 seasons at the top.
Hirvonen plans to devote more time to his family after a career in which he finished runner-up in the drivers' championship four times, and played a key role in Ford winning back-to-back manufacturers' titles in 2006 and 2007.
He made his WRC debut in 2002 and spent most of his career driving for Ford, apart from a year at Subaru in 2004 and two seasons at Citroen in 2012 and 2013. He returned to Ford this year as lead driver for M-Sport World Rally Team.
Hirvonen has not mentioned yet if he is going to continue racing in another category, such as the rallycross.
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| Mikkko Hirvonen. (Photo: WRC) |