WRC 2010 Round 6 – Vodafone Rally de Portugal : Hirvonen Conquers Superspecial Stage
Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen took an early lead during the opening head to head Superspecial Stage of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal. The start of the 6th round of the championship was hosted in the Algarve Stadium, with a capacity of 30,000 crowds.
The class of 2010 – WRC drivers line up for the traditional photograph session outside the Algarve Stadium.
Hirvonen had the upper hand against Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb during their head to head battle, and managed to beat his closest rival Munchi’s team driver Federico Villagra by one-tenth of a second. Hirvonen completed the 2 km course by setting the fastest time of 2 minutes and 9.3 seconds.
Sebastien Loeb (above) and Kimi Raikkonen (below) in action during the shakedown earlier in the day.
The 1st day of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal continues with the Special Stages at the 22.72 km Santa Clara 1. Hirvonen has established himself as the early favourite, with Loeb as the main challenger.
Hirvonen’s teammate Jari-Matti Latvala during the Superspecial Stage.
Portugal Rally hospitality.
Sebastien Ogier making his way around the course inside the Algarve Stadium.
Photo : Citroen WRC, worldrallypics.com
