''I have the highest regard for my team''The Suzuki World Rally Team conducted its final testing sessions of the year amongst the French Alps last week as the start of the 2008 World Rally Championship campaign moves closer. The Monte Carlo season-opener will launch on
January 24th, in less than a month.
Team Principal Nobuhiro Tajima attended the test with the team. Although expectations are humble yet determined for this foray into the top level of rallying, he felt satisfied with the results.
"We have made a respectable showing," Tajima considered. "We recognize little time is left, but we'll make the maximum use of it to work out. I have the highest regard for my team."
Toni Gardemeister and P-G Andersson were chosen by the Japanese manufacturer to face the competition at the controls of their respective SX4 WRCs. Tajima once again stated his confidence regarding their talent and abilities.
"Toni has great experience and know-how in development. At the same time, he is a kind and responsible person. I'm counting on him. Also, I'm counting on P-G since I have seen his growth through the JWRC for four years. I hope he will grow more professionally in the WRC.
I expect the SX4 WRC driven by Toni and P-G to be a storm's eye in the coming year," he declared with a smile.
Tajima also commented on the overall organization of the team's World Rally Championship effort, which all came to bear during the final test session.
"We have reorganized the team for the WRC activities in 2008, so this test was the first time to operate the new system," he explained. "It turned out all right. The technical director and main engineers have attended this test from Japan to take leading roles during this session. They worked well."
"I'm sure different people from different cultures are able to buckle down as one team to contest for the championship because the WRC is the number one motor rally event in the world," 'Monster' Tajima concluded with certainty.
