Ford sign Hirvonen for 2006

Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen have signed a three-year deal with the blue oval, and will partner Finnish countryman and double world champion Marcus Gronholm in an all-new line-up next season.

Both drivers will pilot the new Focus WRC 06, which debuted successfully in the last weekend's Rally Australia, finishing sixth in the hands of Roman Kresta.

Their debut in the car will be in January's Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the 2006 series.

25 year-old Hirvonen beat off competition from Estonian Markko Martin for the drive for his second stint with Ford in the world championship. He made his breakthrough with the team in 2003, competing in all 14 rounds of the series as he gained vital experience of many rallies for the first time.

Hirvonen then drove for Subaru for the 2004 season, however, he failed to finish on the podium for the Japanese manufacturer and was dropped in favour of Stephane Sarrazin and Chris Atkinson.

This season, Hirvonen has impressed, driving selected events in privateer Fords, with a best result of third in the Rally Catalunya in a two-year old car.

He led the early stages of the Acropolis Rally and was called up to Ford's works squad in his home event to drive the latest specification Focus, and finished fifth. He also piloted Skoda's second works entry in the Rally Japan.

Ford Team RS director Jost Capito said: "Ford has a realistic opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the sport and achieve victories with the new Focus RS WRC. By signing drivers of the calibre of Marcus and Mikko, we are making a clear statement of our intentions.

"We will use 2006 to further develop the new car in their hands, before a full-out bid for championship success in 2007 and 2008."

BP-Ford team director Malcolm Wilson said Hirvonen's signing was a major commitment.

"We've signed Mikko on a three-year contract because we are looking for long-term consistency in our plans," he said. "Nobody can fail to be impressed by his performances this season. During the last three years he has gained the experience and maturity and is now ready to make the step up to the top level in the world championship. In 2006 I expect him to progress even further.

"He will benefit by having a driver of Marcus' calibre alongside. Marcus is one of the sport's fastest and most reliable drivers and his appetite for success remains as large now as it was at the start of his distinguished career. To have two such drivers committed for the long-term emphasises the belief they have in the new car, and it's a huge confidence boost for us all."

Hirvonen, who lives in Jyvaskyla, host town for the Rally Finland, is delighted to rejoin his former team.

"It's a dream come true to join Ford and have the opportunity to drive the new car," he said. "I've learned much in the last three seasons and feel ready to take on this role. The Focus RS is hugely promising and I can't wait to get behind the wheel to work again with my former colleagues."