THE LINE
Monday, February 14, 2011 at 09:36AM February 16, 2011
(Ford)
Ford's all-new Fiesta RS World Rally Car swept the top three positions at Rally Sweden. Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team's Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen won the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship by just 6.5sec from Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson. Hirvonen's team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila finished third. It was Ford's first podium clean sweep since Rally Sweden in 2008. Ford Abu Dhabi now holds an 18 point lead in the manufacturers' world championship and Hirvonen's victory makes him Ford's most successful WRC driver. This was his 13th victory, edging him ahead of former team-mate Marcus Grönholm. "It was a dream start to the season and to achieve what we did with a brand new car adds to the accomplishment," Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson said. " Mikko endured a tough season last year so I'm delighted he started 2011 so well. Jari-Matti survived a few close escapes, but also showed great pace and a podium was deserved." Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn added, "To lock out the podium in the first rally with the all-new Fiesta RS WRC is more than we could have hoped for. It's a rewarding start to our 2011 campaign for every member of the team, which has worked thousands of hours to ensure the car was competitive from the very start."
(Ford)
Mikko Hirvonen (FIN)/Jarmo Lehtinen in their Ford Fiesta RS WRC on day one of the 2011 Rally Sweden.
(Ford)
Third place finishers Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN)/Miikka Anttila in their Ford Fiesta RS WRC on day two of the 2011 Rally Sweden.
(Ford)
Mikko Hirvonen (FIN)/Jarmo Lehtinen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) on the way to victory in the 2011 Rally Sweden.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Read all about Gordon Kirby's upcoming new book Mario's Team (Racemaker Press) -- the history of Newman/Haas Racing -- here. - PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Fun stuff from the enthusiasts at FantasyJunction.com. Go here, here, and here. - PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: If you really must keep up on all of the latest F1 developments and the potential U.S. GP in Austin, Texas, go here. - PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Check out Michelin's racing website - "Michelin Alley" - and get in on all of the behind-the-scenes buzz. Go here. - PMD
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