Hirvonen steals podium as Focus bows out in style.

The 'old shape' Ford Focus RS World Rally Car ended its career as a works machine with a double points haul on the Rally Catalunya-Costa Daurada, but it was privateer Mikko Hirvonen who stole the thunder of the factory team as well as the final podium place.

While BP-Ford drivers Roman Kresta and Toni Gardemeister both claimed points towards the manufacturers' standings on the penultimate round of the World Rally Championship, Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen brought more joy to the Focus' farewell by finishing third in a 2003-specification car after a thrilling final stage showdown with fellow privateer Xavier Pons.

The Finns came from behind to snatch a podium position in the final 5km of the asphalt event, having started the day in fourth after a 20-second penalty dropped him 7.7secs behind Pons overnight.

He narrowed the gap to 6.5secs with just the last 28.33km Vilaplana test remaining, and went into the final 5km section of the stage tied with his rival. However, the Finn produced an outstanding final sector to finish 1.2secs ahead of the Citroen man, winning the stage by almost eight seconds to claim a career-best result.

"I've finally scored my first podium and I can't believe it was on asphalt and not gravel," Hirvonen laughed, "It was my first asphalt rally for a year and it proved I can be quick on both surfaces.

"We had great help from Michelin with the tyres but, when I saw Pons mess up his start on the final stage, I decided to really attack and try to make my dreams come true. It was a great battle, but I can't believe I had such a good weekend considering how long it is since I drove on this surface."

Works team boss Malcolm Wilson was among the first to praise Hirvonen's achievement.

"I'm so pleased for Mikko," he said, having seen factory drivers Kresta and Gardemeister finish fifth and 14th respectively, "He impressed me because he was so determined this morning to keep fighting and not just settle for fourth. To finish on the podium in a 2003-specification car emphasises the ability of the Focus RS."

Another privately-entered Focus RS, driven by Antony Warmbold and Michael Orr, finished seventh.