Mikko Hirvonen predicts final stage title decider in Wales

The Ford driver trails Citroen's Sebastien Loeb by eight points going into the championship decider, with 25 points available for the rally win and three for the fastest time on the live television stage that concludes the event.

"Although it's short, the final power stage could turn out to be one of the biggest stages in rallying history," said Hirvonen.

"With bonus points available, the whole championship could be decided by just that one test. We must give huge importance to it, because there could be an awful lot to fight for there."

He said he would not be calculating points during the rally and would instead focus simply at winning and taking a maximum score.

"The only thing I can do is aim to win the rally," Hirvonen said. "If something unexpected happens to Loeb, I may not need to win anymore, but from the outset, the sole target has to be victory."

The Finn acknowledged that Wales would be a tough venue for the title decider.

"In Wales, everything depends so much upon the conditions," said Hirvonen.

"If they're tricky, you need to be confident, trust the pace notes and take risks, even though you can't see so well in places. That's where you can really make a difference, and sometimes it really is a case of win or bust.

"I wouldn't mind if it rained because if the conditions are bad, there's more chance of the unexpected."

Hirvonen's team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala has handed him positions in the last three rallies to maximise Ford's title chances. Latvala said his priority for Wales would be to get between Hirvonen and Loeb - as a Ford one-two led by the elder Finn could give Hirvonen the championship, subject to power stage results.

"I want to fight for victory and to try to be in a position to help Mikko," said Latvala.

"Our target is to aim for first and second places. It's important for the team to put myself ahead of Loeb and take points away from him, so I'll drive as fast as I can from the start.

"It will be vital to be sharp and up to speed from the very first kilometre, because if we allow Loeb to build a lead it will be hard to pull him back."