Hirvonen was number two to Gronholm last year (PA)

The BP-Ford rally team are confident that Mikko Hirvonen can step into the shoes of the retired Marcus Gronholm in 2008's World Rally Championship.

Hirvonen will be joined by Jari-Matti Latvala as Ford look to secure a third conscutive manufacturers' championship.

Team boss Malcolm Wilson told BBC Radio Cumbria: "It's a big, bold step but we really feel the pace is there.

"He's [Hirvonen] played a fantastic role as back-up to Markus and three victories as well shows potential."

Interview: BP-Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson

Wilson was also enthusiastic about Hirvonen's new partner Jari-Matti Latvala, a youngster who showed much promise with the Stobart Ford team.

He said: "It's all he's ever wanted to do. If you ever want to know about eighties or nineties rallying he's a bible. He eats, drinks and sleeps rallying."

It's a big, bold step but we really feel the pace is there Team boss Malcolm Wilson

The first race of the WRC takes place in Monte Carlo and Wilson is realistic that without Gronholm it will be a different event for Ford.

"It is going to be difficult. We're not going to have that strength that we have with Markus where everytime he entered a rally he would challenge to win it.

"If Jari-Matti and Miko step up then I don't see any reason why not but I certainly think it'll be a lot more difficult than in the last two years."