11.9.2011 - Engine troubles slowed Gardemeister in Hungary

Flying Finn Toni Gardemeister was 7th fastest in IRC Hungary. Gardemeister and his co-driver Tapio Suominen was 3 minutes and 5,6 seconds slower than winner Jan Kopecky with their TGS Worldwide private team supported Skoda Fabia S2000. Finns tackeled with engine problems which slowed their pace.

- In third stage of second day the engine start running with three cylinders and due that reason our speed was greatly reduced. After the stage in transit section we detached and re-connected wires and sensors. Suddenly the engine start running again and we got back to service, Gardemeister told.

In service all spark plugs and sensors were changed. Then then engine start working again.

- After service the car start engine start running again better than ever. Due very good performance I also had few big moments as occasionally we drove with two wheels. I think we found the limits of this car, Gardemeister described.

- I'm also frustrated for the problems we've encountered this rally. 7th position in very annoying because this seems to be the best result we can do with this private rally car. However by timingly we were again closer to top positions than in previous events, Gardemeister continued.

Furthermore Gardemeister was suffering with stomach illness which took strength out of him in intense heat.

- For the whole day I couldn't eat anything. I was just trying to survive by drinking water. Therefore at the moment I'm very tired, Gardemeister struggled.

Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen lead the rally for the final stage on. However he made a driving mistake and hit a wood which was lying near the road. This was second-in-a-row win for Czech Jan Kopecky and due maximum points he took the leadership of the IRC series. Gardemeister is in eight position in standings.

Next round of IRC series is to be driven in two weeks at San Remo Italy.

Final results Canon Mecsek Rallye 2011
1. Jan Kopecký & Petr Starý, Škoda Fabia S2000, 02:00:06.7
2. Thierry Neuville & Nicolas Gilsoul, Peugeot 207 S2000, +0.8sec
3. Freddy Loix & Francois Miclotte, Škoda Fabia S2000, +1:00.0sec
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7. Toni Gardemeister & Tapio Suominen, Škoda Fabia S2000, +3:05.6sec