Hirvonen continues with brake issue

Date published : 28 Jul 2011 - 16:48:30

Mikko Hirvonen will start the third stage of Rally Finland with only three brakes on his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.The Finn has been working on the car since completing SS2, but he is expected to lose more time through the next test. Hirvonen damaged the right-rear of the car on the opening stage when he lost power and was unable to keep the Fiesta on the road. He dropped more time in stage two, when the right-rear wheel locked solid and punctured the tyre.Hirvonen has now arrived at the start of SS3, having worked extensively on the car. He has blocked off the right-rear brakes and bled the system. The disc and caliper have gone from the right-rear and the damper is only being held on by one bracket - and he also has a damaged driveshaft on that corner.Hirvonen is 32nd overall, 1m29s off the lead. Fortunately for the 2009 Rally Finland winner, the Laajavuori stage is only 2.60 miles long and the cars return to service after the test.