Hirvonen resists Ostberg for victory

Mikko Hirvonen held off Mads Ostberg to win the first event of the World Rally Championship's new era by just six seconds after three thrilling days in Sweden, as Fords filled the podium. The 2011 season-opener will be remembered equally for the spectacularly close competition offered by the latest generation World Rally Cars - with just 15s covering Hirvonen, Ostberg, Petter Solberg, Jari-Matti Latvala and Sebastien Ogier starting the final day - and the emergence of Ostberg as a potential winner. In his first event in a competitive car, the former Subaru privateer opened up a half-minute lead on his first day with Stobart Ford, making the most of running 10th on the road.

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt