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21.6.2009 - Final special stage puncture dropped Gardemeister from podium

Toni Gardemeister and his co-driver Tomi Tuominen suffered lots of misfortune in Rally San Marino. After good performance the Flying Finns were in third position but after suffering a puncture in final special stage Gardemeister and Tuominen were forced to drop their pace and finished the event in 9th position in overall classifications. Rally San Marino was debut run for Gardemeister with group-N rally car.

- It really was a tricky start as I entered the corners way too fast speed. After few big moments I noticed that with group-N car you have to drive the corners with complitely different driving style. Not like in World Rally car nor Super 2000. During the event I got used to Group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi and our special stage times improved a lot, told
Gardemeister.

Rally San Marino gave lots of experience for Finns as they enter Rally Mexico in the middle of July with group-N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX rally car.

Rally San Marino final results:
1) Paolo Andreucci, Peugeot 207 S2000
2) Luca Rossetti, Fiat Abarth S2000
3) Emanuele Dati, Fiat Abarth S2000
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9) Toni Gardemeister, Subaru Impreza WRX STi

08.06.2009 - Toni Gardemeister and Tomi Tuominen enters Rally of San Marino with Subaru Impreza WRX STi rally car

Since January and its' legendary Rally of Monte Carlo Rallin Flying Finnish rally driver Toni Gardemeister and his co-driver Tomi Tuominen hasn't driven in a rally. Now finally Finns enters a rally which is San Marino and its' going to be driven in third weekend of June. Rally of San Marino includes 10 special stages which are to be driven in two competitive rally days. Route of the rally is quite simple as there are only one special stage and three gravel special stages driven three times.

Gardemeister enters the rally with Tommi Mäkinen Racing prepared group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi rally car. As Rally of San Marino is a part of European Rally Championship series the Championship is driven only with group-N and Super2000 spec rally cars. All World Rally Cars are denied from the series. Gardemeister cannot wait for the start of the rally and returning behind the steering wheel of a rally car.

- I definitely am going to start the rally with high hopes - even the rally is to be driven in Midnight Summer time, which is the most populariest summer weekend in Finland. Since January I haven't driven anything so its' about time to enter the cabin of a rally car, Gardemeister tells.

Flying Finn has no goals for the rally because Gardemeister has no experience of rallying with modern group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi rally car.

- I believe me, my co-driver Tomi Tuominen and Tommi Mäkinen Racing can rally for good positions - even we have to drive against modern Super2000 cars. In January at legendary Rally of Monte Carlo I drove Fiat Grande Punto Super2000 and therefore I'm very aware of its' performance. Fortunately I'm able to rally one day of testings here in Finland before entering the rally. Furthermore I'm going to rally another test day in San Marino, Gardemeister continues.

Rally of San Marino starts at Friday 19th June with one super special stage. Rest nine special stages are driven in Saturday 20th June.