Rivals of Mikko Hirvonen should be afraid of what 2010 will bring according to Ford boss Malcom Wilson. The driver, who lost the 2009 title by only one point, is expected to grow even stronger next year, Wilson says.
"The way Mikko has developed is fantastic," Wilson told autosport. "And if he carries on where he left off - and I'm confident he will because that's the way he had gone throughout his career – then I know he'll be even more determined next year."
Wilson expects Hirvonen to have "a few world titles under his belt" by the time he reaches the age of 35 - Loeb's age. Hirvonen is currently 29... and Loeb has six titles under his belt!
"Look at those two on Rally GB, they were on a different class," said Wilson. "I guess it's good to have the two of them there fighting. The WRC wouldn't be nearly so exciting if Sebastien retired or had gone to Formula 1."
The 2010 season will be one of challenges for Ford has it will have to balance the development of the current car - in order to win the championship - and next year's car which promises to be completely different under the WRC new rules starting in 2011.
"The way Mikko has developed is fantastic," Wilson told autosport. "And if he carries on where he left off - and I'm confident he will because that's the way he had gone throughout his career – then I know he'll be even more determined next year."
Wilson expects Hirvonen to have "a few world titles under his belt" by the time he reaches the age of 35 - Loeb's age. Hirvonen is currently 29... and Loeb has six titles under his belt!
"Look at those two on Rally GB, they were on a different class," said Wilson. "I guess it's good to have the two of them there fighting. The WRC wouldn't be nearly so exciting if Sebastien retired or had gone to Formula 1."
The 2010 season will be one of challenges for Ford has it will have to balance the development of the current car - in order to win the championship - and next year's car which promises to be completely different under the WRC new rules starting in 2011.