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Mikko Hirvonen - Source: Reuters -
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Finland's Mikko Hirvonen completed victory in the Rally of Poland to edge into a one-point lead over Sebastien Loeb in the world championship standings on Monday.
Ford driver Hirvonen stayed out of trouble on the third day to finish one minute 10.3 seconds ahead after the final super special stage, with Spain's Dani Sordo finishing second in his Citroen.
Hirvonen's compatriot Jari-Matti Latvala had been holding second place but crashed out on the last stage.
Norwegian Solberg brothers Henning and Petter came in third and fourth respectively.
France's Loeb, who crashed his car on a tree stump on the first day of the rally, was seventh, over 19 minutes behind Hirvonen.
"It's been a fantastic rally, absolutely perfect from start to finish," Hirvonen told reporters. "First time ever, I won two rallies in a row. Who knows, maybe I will also win the third one in Finland."
There are four rounds to go in the World Rally Championship and Loeb now has to come from behind if he is to win his sixth successive title.
