Mikko Hirvonen is a Finnish rally driver known for his successful career in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Born on July 31, 1980, he began his professional racing career in the early 2000s and quickly gained recognition for his skill and consistency. Hirvonen drove for several teams, including Ford and Citroën, and achieved multiple podium finishes throughout his career. Hirvonen is particularly noted for his rivalry with fellow driver Sebastien Loeb, which defined a significant era in rally racing. He finished as the WRC runner-up several times and secured a total of 15 rally victories before retiring in 2014.