Gardemeister fastest in group-F of SM O.K Auto Rally with BMW M3
Hallinta Hoop, 8.7.2007
International rally driver Toni Gardemeister memorized fast paced Finnish gravel special stages in sixth Finnish Rally Championship event at in the region of Kouvola. Gardemeister entered the rally for defending his victorious title and for gaining experience to forthcoming Vetomies rally.
Gardemeister with his co-driver Tomi Tuominen were unbeatable in all nine special stages with their powerful BMW M3 group-F RWD rally car. Flying Finns renew his previous year victory by rallying 93 special stage kilometres two minutes and 18 seconds faster than Jarkko Mustonen, who was second in overall classifications.
– For whole rally me and my co-driver Tomi Tuominen kept up fast pace an unrisky speed. All nine special stage times came without major pushing. Our goal was achieved and we’re very satisfied for it, analysed Gardemeister for good competition.
Speedy gravel stages of Kouvola offered challenge and fast paced rallying for all competitors. There were lots of action as many drivers gave their teams lots of car fixing jobs to do. Gardemeister and Tuominen rallied without even a single surprising moment in whole rally.
– In previous year the rally organizer had put up a route which was lots demanding. However this route was a bit different but still excellent for us and our rally car. Still it was not so fantastic as year ago, Gardemeister told.
– In competition our rally car was very heavy. As we left service we had always full tank of gasoline, spare wheel, trunk, oil etc with us. Good spare parts and excellent team gave us trouble-free rally. However we had small problems with clutch in few occasions, Gardemeister continued.
Next time Toni can be seen rallying in WRC Finland. However he does not enter WRC. He enters group-F class competition with his BMW M3. In first Saturday of August the rally is called Vetomies. Gardemeister will give lots of valuable media for the rally with co-driver and very good friend Tuomo Hannonen.
– Me and my background organization tried very hard to get highly competitive rally car for WRC Finland. Since we could not get it I decided to enter national rally with my group-F RWD BMW M3 rally car. Reigning Finnish Rally Co-drivers Champion and a very good friend of mine Tuomo Hannonen will be my co-driver in the rally. I strongly believe we are very competitive to challenge past winners, visioned Gardemeister.
SM O.K Auto ralli, overall classifications group-F:
1. Toni Gardemeister / Tomi Tuominen, BMW M3, 48,27:1
2. Jarkko Mustonen / Teemu Honkonen, BMW M3, +2,18:0 sek
3. Jarkko Ojala / Eero Sokero, Toyota Starlet, +2.20:6 sek