Toni Gardemiester retired in Monte Carlo due high engine temperatures

Flying Finn Toni Gardemeister continued to improve his 10th position in IRC Monte Carlo rally on third day. However he was forced to retire the event on first transit section of the day due high engine temperatures. Gardemeister and his co-driver Tomi Tuominen suffered high engine temperatures from off they experienced in second rally day.

- We didn't want to take any risks to have an engine failure and therefore we were forced to retire the event, told deeply dissapointed Gardemeister.

- My dissapointed is very hard because we were facing legendary special stage of Turini, which is as difficult as legendary Finnish Ouninpohja stage. I've always enjoyed a lot of Turini and drove good special stage times on it. Now my long awaited enjoyment is not going to happen, Gardemeister continues.

IRC Monte Carlo rally is lead by fellow Finn Mikko Hirvonen, who drivers the debut rally of brand new Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car. Second is another Finn Juho Hänninen with Skoda Fabia S2000. He's 44,1 seconds slower than Hirvonen. Currently in third position is Sebastien Ogier. IRC Monte Carlo rally is finished by midnight.

Monte Carlo Rally classifications after 11/15 special stages:
1) Mikko Hirvonen - Jarmo Lehtinen Ford Fiesta 3:12.44,0
2) Juho Hänninen - Mikko Markkula Skoda Fabia +44,1 sec
3) Sebastien Ogier Peugeot 207 +48,0 sec