Abu Dhabi BP-Ford retain WRC lead

Resilient, point scoring performances from Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala meant the BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team retained their lead at the top of the World Rally Championship manufacturers’ standings, after a punishing fourth FIA WRC round in Argentina.

“This has proved to one of the toughest and most challenging rallies in recent years. We had our share of mechanical problems but our team spirit shone through after a tough opening day and the team recovered well to maintain a three-point manufacturers’ standings lead,” said Ahmad Hussein, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“The Championship now heads to Jordan where UAE driver Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi will return to the team. Sheikh Khalid won in Jordan last year in Team Abu Dhabi’s Middle East Rally Championship season, so we’re hoping that familiar surroundings and local support will strengthen the team’s manufacturers’ position and help Mikko Hirvonen get his drivers’ title tilt back on track.”

Despite climbing another position in the lunar-like landscape of the Traslasierra mountains during Argentina’s third and final day, Hirvonen’s fifth place finish has seen him drop to second in the overall drivers’ standings behind current champion Sebastien Loeb of France, who won his fourth consecutive Rally Argentina in his Citroen.

However, the Finn admitted he was expecting nothing at all after breaking a track control in the front suspension when leading the rally during day one.

“After day one’s problems, I never thought I could climb this high. I’m surprised to score points and luckily Loeb isn’t so far ahead in the championship. He’s only five points in front and I thought it would be nine, so that’s some comfort,” said Hirvonen.

“I’m still disappointed because I made such a good start to lead and I could have won, but that’s life. I found more speed than I had on the last round in Mexico and hopefully that will roll over into Jordan.”

After winning three of the final day’s four special stages, Latvala climbed six positions to finish 15th and secure a vital two manufacturers’ points for BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team - just reward for his resilience after shattering his car’s starter motor during day two.

“My performance was disappointing but I think these were the most difficult conditions I’ve encountered,” said the 22-year old.

“I've had to adapt to different ways of driving to match the conditions. One thing I learned from yesterday was that I need to check the engine after an impact, even when everything seems OK – it is all good experience.”

Rally Jordan runs April 24-27 and marks the championship’s third consecutive event outside Europe. The all-gravel rally is based at the Dead Sea.