World championship in Argentina went already downhill two weeks before the rally. I was on a 18 kilometers’ ski trip in Lapland, when suddenly my skis clinged onto snow and needles. Skiing was really important to me. This winter I was able to ski 300 kilometers so I’m not an amateur. In that moment I couldn’t avoid falling over and I hit the ground with my left shoulder. I broke my collarbone and the pain was real. The following day I flew from Lapland to Helsinki and continued my way straight to the operating room. They placed a 10 centimeters long metal plate to my shoulder and it was attached with 6 screws.
World championship in Argentina went already downhill two weeks before the rally. I was on a 18 kilometers’ ski trip in Lapland, when suddenly my skis clinged onto snow and needles. Skiing was really important to me. This winter I was able to ski 300 kilometers so I’m not an amateur. In that moment I couldn’t avoid falling over and I hit the ground with my left shoulder. I broke my collarbone and the pain was real. The following day I flew from Lapland to Helsinki and continued my way straight to the operating room. They placed a 10 centimeters long metal plate to my shoulder and it was attached with 6 screws.
Driving in Argentina was impossible even though the healing went well. It was interesting to follow the rally at home. At the same time I felt bad, because I really wanted to be there too. It depressed me a bit. Last time (before all this) I didn’t take part on the world championship was in 2006. I followed the rally on the internet and I watched tv-broadcasts. I also called and chatted with my engineer in Argentina, team principle and my team colleagues Petter Solberg and my substitute Dani Sordo. Solberg started off strong in Argentina. He could’ve had the chance to race for the podium, but the springs gave up. Also Mikko Hirvonen surprised with his great driving. He didn’t win because Citroën gave a team order and made Loeb the winner. Mikko is a great team player and I believe that he reacted to the team order very professionally. Because of my injury I had to give away to Sebastian Loeb in world championship. At first it felt bad, because the start of the year had been so awful to me. The speed has been enough as I have lead all four races I have been part of. As the result I only got a win in Sweden and couple points from Rally Portugal. Last time after the problems in Portugal I thought it wouldn’t get worse. The injury made me fall even more behind. Loeb won in Argentina and my chances for the world championship title decreased. I will continue to fight as long as winning the championship is possible. The season continues in Greece in two months. My arm was in an arm sling for two weeks but now I’m able to move it freely. The healing has been good and I am almost certain that I can attend the rally in Greece. I sure hope that I’ve got my speed and reach the podium there. My motivation is now higher than it has ever been.
