15.1.2008 - Gardemeister well prepared for season opening round
Flying Finn rally driver Toni Gardemeister made two-year agreement with Suzuki manufacturer team in December. The deal made possible for Toni Gardemeister to make a comeback into World Rally Championship series. Suzuki is on its' maiden voyage in the series with brand new SX4 World Rally Car.
- I'm very motivated for developement work and to fight for Suzuki in the events, Gardemester tells. oo
Gardemeister, 32, was two full seasons without a manufacturers seat. Still he's one of the most experienced rally drivers in World Rally Championship series.
- It's very nice that someone else also give credits for my driving gifts. I'm also not worried for my age because two times World Rally Champion Marcus Grönholm made his first manufacturers deal when he was over 30'ies, Gardemeister reminds.
During his career Gardemeister has driven in Seat, in Skoda and in Ford Manufacturer teams. Six times he's gained podium position. However still he seeks his first victory.
- Actually I've never had top car. Not even in season 2005 when I was driving with Ford. In that time they didn't put in use as much resources as they do now, Toni explains.
"SX4 is a car worth to develope"
In forthcoming season the main goal for Gardemeister is to improve Suzuki SX4 WRC and to speed up the speed as the season progresses.
He's also hoping to snatch handfull of Championship points for the team.
- SX4 is a car worth to develope, Gardemeister tells.
- Engine is good and its' got good torque. Also the balance is good aswell. At this moment it feels like the car is behaving much better in twisty roads, Gardemeister continues.
Debut run for Suzuki SX4 WRC was seen in October 2007 at WRC France in island of Corsica. Also the team participated into season final round at Wales. After these events the team has given lots of developement work for the car.
- Direction for developement work is good as the team has good spirit, Gardemeister describes.
In December team introduced its' new technical leader Shusuke Inagaki. He's been working as main engineer for Mitsubishi team.
- Japanise people are very determinate as they really want to put team into top positions, Gardemeister thinks.
Team mate for Toni Gardemeister in season 2008 is swedeish Per-Gunnar Andersson.
Points from Monte Carlo?
First round of the season is legendary Rally of Monte Carlo. For Suzuki that event is its' debut for its' first full WRC season.
- I strongly believe we can fight for points in Monte Carlo. Hopefully teams face difficult conditions like mixture weather. Then our chances gets better, Gardemeister thinks. 11.1.2008 - Gardemeister had successful test session on Swedish snow
Suzuki WRC team is preparing for its' first full WRC season with four days of testing in Sweden. Like Finland, Sweden is one of those countries where WRC teams can test their cars for four tests days during the season. Suzuki split four test days into two separate parts as Flying Finn Toni Gardemeister and Swedish P-G Andersson drove both two days. PG tested first two and Toni two final days. During the tests team managed to develope the Suzuki SX4 WRC into correct direction.
- We were able to improve lots of important things during our session. We found good solutions to improve cars' behavior on the stage. Ofcourse we face lots of work, but still you must remember as being a new team and we need lots of more experience to be one of the top teams, told Gardemeister after test session.
Next session for Gardemeister is going to happen at the end of January in opening round of World Rally Championship series at traditional Monte Carlo rally. Suzuki WRC-team have done its' tests for Monte Carlo before last Christmas.
- In those tests we also found a good setup for tarmac. I strongly believe we could be fighting for points in first two World Rally Championship rounds, Gardemeister continued.
In forthcoming season Toni Gardemeister drives with number 11 and team mate PG Andersson with number 12.
