Gardemeister to tackle Finland & GermanyToni Gardemeister may be out a full-time ride this year, but the 32 year-old is seeking a full time return in 2008. To stay sharp, Gardemeister will be back in action in Finland as well as the German round of the championship.
Gardemeister
will compete in Finland in his own rally-spec BMW M3 and in Germany in a Citroen Xsara WRC. He acknowledges that competing against the works teams with the equipment at his disposal will be something of a challenge.
"Entering for WRC Finland without a modern and highly competitive rally car is a suicide," he stated on his personal web site. "The route demands a lot from the car. There are only three manufacturers who has a competitive rally car for Finnish fast paced gravel special stages. It'll be hard to manage yourself into final Championship points with other manufacturers rally cars.
I didn't want to do that in my home rally and therefore I'll be entering the rally with my own beauty!"
Following what will be something of an adventure in Finland, Gardemeister is looking forward to the German event, the scene of his and co-driver Jakke Honkanen's fourth position in 2006.
"In German twisty and narrow tarmac stages the cars competitiveness is not in so big role as it is in WRC Finland and its' fast paced stages," Gardemeister continued. "After long decisions and negotiations we decided to enter the rally with a bit old Citroen Xsara WRC. It's still very fast in twisty sections and therefore I'll start the rally with high hopes!"
Source Toni Gardemeister
