Hirvonen plans to take risks in NZ

The Finn dropped four points behind Loeb after the Frenchman's win in Germany and accepts that this weekend's event is increasingly looking like a must-win rally if he is to stay on terms with the world champion.

Hirvonen says he has driven conservatively on the North Island roads for the last two years, but this time he will be at maximum attack in an effort to stem the flow of points in Loeb's direction. The Citroen driver moved into the lead of the World Rally Championship with victory on the last round in Germany and Hirvonen is well aware that he needs a win in Hamilton to carve into Loeb's four-point advantage.

"This rally has been at a really crucial point in the season for the last two seasons," said Hirvonen, "which means that I have had to drive for the team, for manufacturer points. I know I could drive a lot faster than I have done on these roads before, so I have a good feeling.

"I really like these stages and I can remember them well. When you remember the stages, it helps you to take the big risk and push harder than you might on another event. I'm really looking forward to getting back into the fight with Sebastien. If this isn't a must-win event for me, it's starting to get very close. But it's not going to be easy."

Hirvonen and the rest of the crews completed their recce for the 11th round of this year's World Rally Championship this evening - but today's run through the stages wasn't been without incident for Hirvonen.

"One of the local rally fans was driving ahead of me," said Hirvonen. "I think he was trying to beat us and had a big spin on the road right infront of me. It was quite entertaining!"