The Ford rally team had no answer to the pace of Citroen as the new season got underway in Ireland. Mikko Hirvonen had hoped to challenge Dani Sordo for second position, but a power steering issue forced him to settle for third overall.

"I scored solid points on the first round in Ireland earlier this month and now I really want to get down to business on a rally and in conditions that I enjoy,” the Finn said in reference to Rally Norway.

The 2007 event saw Ford secure a one-two result with Hirvonen leading the way from then team-mate Marcus Gronholm.

“In 2007 the stages were enjoyable, but at the same time they were extremely difficult,” Hirvonen continued. “I recall one stage that I drove in a blizzard and that was the first occasion in which I had encountered conditions like that.”

“Ireland was a difficult start to the year because of heavy rain and I'm sure I'll feel more comfortable in Norway's snow – conditions in which we know the Focus excels!”