Loeb’s absence although, mixed with Hirvonen’s superior performances relative to Citroën’s second drivers Xevi Pons and Dani Sordo, ensured Ford lastly obtained its identify again on the producers’ trophy for the primary time in 27 years.
With Citroën returning as a fully-fledged producer in 2007 because it launched the C4, the struggle was much more intense. Loeb and Grönholm’s drivers’ title battle was an epic, affected by chic battles just like the 0.3s decider in New Zealand, that ultimately went Loeb’s approach by simply 4 factors. However as soon as once more Ford proved stronger within the producers’ race because of having a stronger second driver in Hirvonen – the ultimate profitable margin standing at 29 factors.
Citroën and Ford have been by far the strongest contenders, however they have been about to turn out to be the solely contenders. Subaru had nonetheless been competing however was set for the exit door on the finish of 2008, as was Suzuki which had solely joined at first of that season.
All of a sudden this battle of the heavyweights virtually turned a battle by default.
Grönholm’s retirement for 2008 elevated Hirvonen to group chief standing as he was joined by Jari-Matti Latvala, however this new alliance couldn’t beat Citroën which received out by 18 factors. It was an analogous story in 2009, though Hirvonen pushed Loeb all the way in which within the drivers’ race. 2010 was then a Citroën whitewash because it received by 119 factors (a determine exaggerated by a change in factors system).
