Zoom Hirvonen racing against a multidisciplinary field this week

Mikko Hirvonen displayed his World Rally Championship-winning potential again this year, recently bringing his 2009 campaign to a close only one point behind multiple titleholder Sebastien Loeb.

The 29-year-old will turn the page on that disappointment this week by entering another big challenge: taking on several of the world's best at the famous Race of Champions (ROC). This year's edition of the annual motorsport spectacular is being held in Beijing at the Bird's Nest Stadium, home of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Hirvonen will partner with former Ford teammate Marcus Gronholm on Tuesday as the fellow Finns race in the ROC Nations Cup, defending their flag against other pairings.

On Wednesday Hirvonen will participate in the individual competition portion of the annual festival, as present and former stars coming from many different motorsport series such as F1, Le Mans, rally and motorbikes fight it out at the controls of identical machinery – all aiming at taking the Race of Champions crown.

Formula One World Champion Jenson Button is only one of the many competitors Hirvonen will be facing in addition to other F1 names such as 2009 runner-up Sebastian Vettel and seven-time champion Michael Schumacher - who will also team up for Germany in the Nations Cup.

"I'm looking forward to the fun of the Race of Champions," said Hirvonen. "I won't have to worry about points and World Championship positions in Beijing.

"But that doesn't mean I won't be taking it seriously," he insisted. "I'll be as keen to win as every other driver and it will be good to link up with Marcus again in the Finland team for the Nations Cup - just like the old days!"

Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International