Loeb, competing for Citroen Total World Rally Team, has emerged as the most successful rally driver in history with seven consecutive World crowns in the past decade. But Hirvonen, who drives for the UK-based factory Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, could be about to end the seemingly invincible Loeb's reign at the top. Loeb knows a second-place result in Wales will effectively secure him an eight straight title. But he won't be relaxing behind the wheel of his Citroen DS3 WRC (pictured).
The Frenchman will arrive in Wales with a slender eight-point lead over the Finn - But with 25 available for a win the game is very much still on. Furthermore, an increasing number of rival crews - including those from British manufacturer MINI - will be challenging for victory on some of the world's most daunting forest stages.
The WRC season is all set for a highly romantic and unpredictable finish.
