Since 1997 Finn Toni Gardemeister has lived the life of international rally driver. In season 2007 he has rallied selected WRC-events with Mitsubishi Lancer WRC. How in first weekend of July Gardemeister enters Finnish Rally Championship event with his group-F BMW M3 rally car. A year ago in same competition he gained superiour victory in class of group-F. Now it's time again for his home event and defending the title.

– In spring 2006 my group-F BMW M3 rally car was complitely build for usage. In debut rally it prooved it speed as I gained victory. Because you have to defend your titles I decided to enter the event again. Its' also my home event because I've lived my childhood in same area as the rally route is going to be. Also this rally is an excellent event to keep up my rallying touch for forthcoming WRC Finland, told Gardemeister for his participation in Finnish Rally Championship event.

SM O.K Auto rally includes nine special stages and approximately 93 special stage kilometres. Toni will be co-drived by reighning Finnish Co-drivers Champion Tomi Tuominen. In April earlier this year Toni and Tomi gained victory in GT-class of 1000 Miglia rally in Italy.

– I feel very confortable to start my home rally. There are also few other drivers to watch to. As a speciality there can be seen f.ex Citroen manufacturer driver Daniel Sordo entering the event aswell as Stobard Ford rally team driver Jari-Matti Latvala. Also Finn Jouni Ampuja returns for rallying after short period of silence. He can be seen behind the steering wheel of Subaru Impreza WRC S9 rally car. The atmosphere is very excellent, told Gardemeister.

Few weeks ago Gardemeister rallied VIP-car in another Finnish Rally Championship event. The rally was an excellent shakedown for Gardemeister as he was preparing for his home event.

– In previous Finnish Rally Championship event I was able to gain good touch to my car. Me and my team have made small adjustments for suspension and now my BMW M3 is perfect, greeted Gardemeister his rivals.

SM O.K Auto rally is to be rallied in Saturday 7th of July.

Shortly

I'm second generation rallydriver born with motorsports in my blood in 1975. My yard was full of racing cars as my dad began driving rally in 1970, so I breathed rally all the time.

After professional career I have teached and mentored new talents and as a Jari-Matti Latvala´s first car.

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