Hirvonen: It's a shame the thrilling battle was decided like this

BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team driver Mikko Hirvonen has given his reaction to the late night Steward's decision which promoted him from second to first place on Repco Rally Australia.

The Stewards imposed a one minute penalty on the Citroen C4 cars that filled three of the top four places, a decision which dropped Sebastien Loeb below Hirvonen into second place and Sebastien Ogier below Jari-Matti Latvala into fifth.

"It's a shame that after such a thrilling battle for three days the result of the rally is decided in the stewards' room," said 29-year-old Hirvonen.

"I suffered a points loss in Portugal two years ago, so I know how Sebastien, in particular, must feel tonight. This decision has a major effect on the championship standings and we now go to Spain with a five point lead."

Click here to see the amended results.

Click here to see the amended championship points tables.