Q & A with Mikko Hirvonen

But with the 2008 rules forcing the rally leader to run first on the road, it was always likely that his position would come under threat - and that tactics would come into play.

After Sebastien Loeb slowed and relinquished the lead in Saturday's final stage, Hirvonen finds himself in second place going into day three, nine seconds behind his teammate Jari-Matti Latvala, and four ahead of third-placed Loeb.

Hirvonen spoke to autosport.com about his expectations for Sunday, and his view of Citroen's tactics.

Q. This isn't just a Loeb-Hirvonen fight is it?

Mikko Hirvonen: No, it's not. Jari-Matti is leading and if the rain comes, he can be right in there fighting for the win. I think, if there's no rain it will be tough to be first on the road.

Q. Were you surprised Citroen did this?

MH: A little bit. After everything they said in Turkey about not agreeing with the tactics, it was surprising to see Sebastien doing it. Running in front of him, I didn't know what he'd done, but when I saw the time come in I knew straight away.

Q. But we have a rally on tomorrow?

MH: We certainly do, don't we. You know last year, when I was number two to Marcus [Gronholm] I was driving flat-out on the Friday and then pacing myself to make sure I could take points on Saturday and Sunday.

Now it's absolutely flat-out on every bloody stage! It's just non-stop at the moment, from the minute we start every rally, we're going as fast as we can. It's definitely the way it should be, but there's no doubt that I'm earning my money this year.

Q. Did you have any problems at all today?

MH: No. There was a bit of noise on the way in from the stages, on the road section, so the boys are changing the propshaft tonight.