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The Finn, along with Jarmo Lehtinen, currently tops the drivers' standings after victory in Sweden and a podium finish in Mexico. And with team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila also finishing on the podium in Mexico, Ford lead the manufacturers' table. Yet, despite the early success of the new Fiesta, Hirvonen has admitted he is not entirely at home in the car and will be seriously tested on the first of the season's more traditional European gravel encounters.

"It's a challenging rally," Hirvonen said. "There are many sections with corners hiding just over crests and it's tricky, but crucial, to ensure the pace notes are accurate. 

"It's a rally in which the more you learn the stages, the more you can identify the sections where you can go faster.

"The roads have a hard base and are abrasive, so tyre wear could be an issue, especially if temperatures are high. 

"The nature of the roads is similar to Mexico but the altitude is much lower in Portugal, so we'll have full power and everything will happen that bit faster. 

"I'm still learning this car and when I hear a pace note, I hesitate a fraction while I understand what speed and gear that note means. 

"My driving isn't totally instinctive yet," he added.

source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com