Newsarchive 25.9.2007 - 08 base car build and initial testing

The work on the initial Impreza WRX test car build was completed around the middle of September, ready for its first full testing session last week at TMR’s headquarters near Jyväkylä.

Ex-World Rally Champion, Tommi Makinen had the honour of driving the car for the first time, and his initial reactions were very positive. “The car surprised me greatly with its performance and handling on the very first runs” were the words of the four time World Champion. He went on to say that “ we have a lot of work to do in a short period of time, but I am confident that with the close relationship we have with STI and my team, we can make this happen in time, and I am looking forward to continuing with the testing”.

Tommi and his TMR test team have completed around 1,000km of secret gravel endurance testing on closed roads close to Puuppola, with no major or minor component failures. When asked how such a successful test result was achieved with such a new car, Managing Director of TMR, Mr Esko Reniers stated that “ this was down to a combination of Subaru’s excellent new base product, and TMR’s decision to utilise many of its proven products from our previous cars, which in turn allowed us to concentrate fully on the new developments we are introducing”.

Work will continue over the coming weeks as TMR prepare for the arrival of the STI version due for release later this year. It is widely expected that the New Impreza WRX STI version will be the base car from which the full specification car will be built.

Subaru FHI Japan has begun releasing preliminary information regarding the new road car.

More details can be found on the FHI-Subaru website at www.subaru.jp/impreza/wrx_sti

The official announcement date for the New Impreza WRX STI will be October 24th when the full details of this car and the Group N related information will be on general release.

TMR will keep you updated as and when more details are released.

 
 
  8.8.2007 - Group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi gained double podium in WRC Finland

Ninth round for FIA World Rally Championship offered a fantastic battle for victory in its' main class as Flying Finns Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen measured their speed. Grönholm utilized his ultimate experience and was eventually a bit faster than Hirvonen. Grönholm has now amazing seven WRC Finland victories!

Among World Rally Cars there was also group-N drivers measuring their speed for eachothers. After 23 demanding and high speed special stages Subaru Impreza WRX STi drivers Patrik Flodin and Teemu Arminen gained double podium finish in fastest rally of the season. Flodin and Arminen conquered Finnish rollercoaster roads as their tool, group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi showed its' skills in durability and in speed.

– WRC Finland is very exceptional rally. It demands courage from the driver as he has to make a faultless drive. To success in three day Finnish Rally you have to find maximum speed and durability. Flodin and Arminen showed their skills and gained success for Japanise car manufacturer, told Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy GM Esko Reiners.

- Especially WRC Finland newcomer Teemu Arminen showed excellent pace. His performance and strategy gave success. Even Fodin won group-N in a superior way, Arminen does not to shame a bit. You must to remember that successing in rallying cannot be achieved without hard work. That is what Arminen did in the weekend, Reiners continued.

Tommi Mäkinen Racing congratulates duo for excellent show!

Final classifications, WRC FInland, Group-N, Top-3.
1. Patrik Flodin, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, 3:18:01,8
2. Teemu Arminen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, +3:35,4 sek
3. Maris Neiksans, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +9:10,0 sek

Older news can be found at newsarchive


  11.6.2007 - Oscar Svedlund victorious European Rally Championship event in Poland

An European Rally Championship event was rallied in second weekend of June at Mikolajki in Poland. Rally Poland was a candidate rally for World Rally Championship series for season 2008. There were 38 group-N and four Super2000 rally car drivers entered the event.

The competition was two days long and it included 14 special stages and 283 special stage kilometres. The rally was won by Swedish Oscar Svedlund with his group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi rally car. Second was Polish Krzysztof Holowczyc. He was 43,7 seconds slower than Svedlund. Fastest Super2000 driver was French Bryan Bouffier with his Peugeot 207 rally car. Bouffier was 3 minutes and 17,8 seconds slower than winner Svedlund.

- Oscar continued his good performance with our build rally car as he was able to rally a trouble-free event. The victory continued his excellent saga as he won group-N in WRC Sweden earlier this season. We’ve made excellent development work with Svedlund and now the results are making progress, told GM Esko Reiners from Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy.

Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy build group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi for Oscar Svedlund in summer 2006. Now a year later he is leading Swedish Rally Championship and gained two victories in international rallies.

Final results, Rally Poland:
1. Oscar Svedlund, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, 2:36:44,3sec
2. Krzysztof Hołowczyc, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, +0:43,7sec
3. Renato Travaglia, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +2:36,8sec


 

13.3.2007 - Tommi Mäkinen Racing satisfied for first quarter of season 2007

Tommi Mäkinen Racing is a company of four times World Rally Champion, Tommi Mäkinen. The company builds group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi rally cars for European rally drivers.

First quarter of season 2007 is now rallied and Tommi Mäkinen Racing is satisfied for results. The company has proven the competitiveness of its’ group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C rally cars. In PWRC Oscar Svedlund rallied victory in Swedish World Rally event and Anton Alen was second. In Finnish Rally Championship Serie Tommi Mäkinen Racing has not yet being victorious. However due intense test and development work Subaru drivers have been able to rally for podium positions.

In Finland it is only a matter of time when group-N victory will be rallied by Subaru Impreza rally driver. In Finnish Rally Championship serie Anton Alén, Jukka Ketomäki and Teemu Arminen have been successfully challenging their rivals with Tommi Mäkinen Racing prepared rally cars.

SM Peuruka rally was 4th Finnish Rally Championship event of season 2007. Three Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C rally cars and drivers finished the rally in top five positions. Anton Alén was near to achieve his first ever overall victory. However in six special stages and 108 special stage kilometres he was 4,4 seconds slower than many times Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo. Jukka Ketomäki and Teemu Arminen wonderfully accomplished the results with their positions. Ketomäki was 4th and Arminen 5th in overall classifications.

- Due intense development work the results are seen in PWRC and Finnish Rally Championship serie. We have had an honour to be in speed of young rally driver, mr. Anton Alén. He is a son of legendary rally driver, mr. Markku Alén. Anton is walking on the same path as his father did at the time he was young and ambitious, told Esko Reiners who is the General Manager Of Tommi Mäkinen Racing.

- Three Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C rally cars in top five is an excellent accomplishment. All Subaru drivers rallied superb special stage times. Tommi Mäkinen Racing congratulates all Subaru drivers for good result, Reiners continued.

Finnish Rally Championship serie continues in June. The engines will be start at June 16th in Keski-Uusimaa SM-rally.

Peurunka rally, overall classification, group-N
1. Juha Salo, Mitsubishi Lancer E9, 58,21:6 sec
2. Anton Alén, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, +4,4 sec
3. Kosti Katajamäki, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +37,8 sec
4. Jukka Ketomäki, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, +42,7 sec 
5. Teemu Arminen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, +45,1 sec
---
11. Lauri Riipinen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, +1:57,4 sec
17. Jukka Metsälä, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, +2:59,3 sec
18. Karri Marttila, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, +3:03,0 sec
21. Petri Lehtovirta, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, +3:09,7 sec





  12.2.2007 - Double P-WRC podium finish for Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd in Swedish Rally

2nd World Rally Championship event for season 2007 was rallied on Swedish snow and its’ magnicifient winter weather. For 5th time in Swedish World Rally history the fastest rally driver was Finn Marcus Grönholm.

Swedish Rally was also an opening round for P-WRC. After colourful events Tommi Mäkinen Racing gained double podium Finish with group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C rally cars. The event was won by Swedish Lecab Team rally driver Oscar Svedlund and second was Finn Anton Alen, a son for legendary rally driver Markku Alen. Both rally cars are build by Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd.

- We’re very satisfied for the double podium finish. Oscar and Anton rallied very wise, mature and technically nearly trouble-free event. However Anton was a bit slowed down by a puncture in second leg. Alen and Svedlund showed the potential Tommi Mäkinen Racing build Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C rally cars possess, congratulated GM Esko Reiners from Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd.

There was a possibility for triple podium finish for Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd until first stage of final leg. Jukka Ketomäki rallied also with Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd build Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C rally car. He was leading group-N from second special stage until end of 15th special stage. However he was forced to retire in first stage of final leg due turbo failure.

- Jukka rallied a superb performance until the moment he was forced to retire. He showed his excellent pace two weeks age in Arctic Lapland Rally and continued it in Sweden. We’ve made plenty of developement work to make sure these success will continue in future. It is very rewarding to see that our work has been worthy of it, Reiners continues.

Swedish rally. Group-N results (P-WRC drivers)
1. Oscar Svedlund, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C - 3:25:29,2
2. Anton Alen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C - 38,6 sec
3. Kristian Sohlberg, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C - 1:42,7 sec

P-WRC standings after opening round of the serie (Swedish Rally)
1. Oscar Svedlund, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, 10 points
2. Anton Alen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, 8 points
3. Kristian Sohlberg, Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, 6 points

  
  20.11.2006 - Jari-Matti Latvala and Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd victorious in New Zealand

Highly appreciated rally among drivers and pneultimate World Rally Championship event was rallied in New Zealand. It will be remembered as a rally of flying finns showing their expertice behind the steering wheel of Worlds best rally cars.

Marcus Grönholm with his team mate Mikko Hirvonen rallied double-victory in WRC. In PWRC finns Jari-Matti Latvala, who rallied with Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd build group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Juho Hänninen, who rallied his maiden rally outside europe, rallied double-victory aswell.

Jari-Matti Latvala was also victorious two weeks ago in Australia by winning PWRC and scored his first-ever World Rally victory. His win in New Zealand proved the fact, that the success he gained in Australia, was not coinsidence. Latvala rallied smart and strategic competition and did not hesitate even jury dramatically gave him a minute penalty by speeding in service area. Due his time penalty he was forced to drop off group-N leadership after second leg. However Latvala gained the leadership back in third and final leg. Eventually he was fastest by one minute and 7,8 seconds gap for his fellow countryman, another talented Flying Finn rally driver, Juho Hänninen.

- Second time in a row Jari-Matti Latvala showed his skills behind the steering wheel of group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi. His victory also prooved the speed and strength of Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd build rally car. Due developement work our rally car is now a winning car in all conditions. Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd wants to congratulate Jari-Matti for his faboulous performance, joyed Esko Reiners, who is a GM of the company of four times World Rally Champion, Tommi Mäkinen.

- Season 2006 PWRC was a big challenge for Jari-Matti Latvala and for us. First half season results we’re not we had tried to gain from the serie. However due hard developement work we reach our goal by winning events in PWRC. We’re now in a excellent point for heading for season 2007 and its’ competitons and series.
  14.02.2006 - Alexander Zedukov victorious with TMR build Subaru in Russia!

Laadoga ralli 2006 results:
1. Aleksandr Želudov - Andrei Rusov (Subaru Impreza WRX STI) 01:26:17,8
2. Maksim Novikov - Vladislav Strebkov (Subaru Impreza WRX STI) +1:16,8

Photos:

13.12.2005 - Young Finnish rally star Jari-Matti Latvala enters PWRC 2006 with Tommi Mäkinen Racing prepared Subaru Impreza WRX STi

In international rally season 2006, a Rising Finnish rally star Jari-Matti Latvala, age of 20, rallies with group-N Subaru. The rally car is supplied by Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd, which builds and equips Subaru Impreza WRX STi group-N rally cars.

PWRC is a great challenge for Latvala and Tommi Mäkinen Racing. In past seasons Latvala has rallied in WRC, Super 1600 and group-N rally cars. In season 2005 Latvala won WRC Korsika group-N with Subaru.

- We're going to have an interesting and challenging season. It is wonderful to rally the whole PWRC series, told Latvala who is now servicing his time in Finnish military service at Lahti. His co-driver for season 2006 is Miikka Anttila.

PWRC consists of eight (8) rounds, which five (5) are located outside Europe. The season starts with traditional Monte Carlo rally in January and ends in New-Zealand at November.

Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd makes debut to WRC

- We're very pleased, to supply a Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2006 for Jari-Matti Latvala. He is a very talented young driver. Therefore we believe to have an excellent season, told GM Esko Reiners from Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy LTD.

According to Reiners, few mechanics from Tommi Mäkinen Racing Oy Ltd travels with Latvala and helps him to reach his goal. An Italian rally team makes the service for Jari-Matti.

Group-N World Rally Championship season 2006
(FIA Production Car World Rally Championship)
20. -22.1. - Monte Carlo
3.-5.3. - Mexico
28. -30.4. - Argentina
2.-4.6. - Greece
1.-3.9. - Japan
22. -24.9. - Cypros
27. -29.10. - Australia
10. -12.11. - New-Zealand








1.8.2005 - SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STi SPEC-C 2006 gr. N

On the 18th of June, there was a launching in Subaru's home country, Japan, of Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C of 2006.

- When building the Tommi Mäkinen Racing version of 2006 model, the huge know-how of the four times World Champion Tommi Mäkinen was used. Most of the improvement is made with the engine mappings and suspension set ups to be able to find the maximal performance despite of the surface of the special stage. Althrough the main changes are made cosmetically, has Tommi Mäkinen Racing made tight developement work to keep Subaru as a leading brand in gr. N, tells Esko Reiners at Tommi Mäkinen Racing.

The presentation of first Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C 2006 gr. N at Tommi Mäkinen Racing

Althrough the Four Times World Champion and Rally Legend Tommi Mäkinen has put his driving shoes of his active rally career on the book case, it does not mean, that he does not want to have anything to do with the rally cars! Instead he presents as first the Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C, 2006 gr. N rally car in Europe. Presentation takes place during the Rally Finland in on Thursday the 4th of August at Paviljonki, Jyväskylä.

- The fact, that we are the first with presentation the car, tells even about our will of the placve to which the driver driving with our car will be placed in the competition. We want to offer to the drivers the best possible rally car of group N - and that kind of cars Subaru has always produced. A splendid example of that is the leading position of Japanise Toshihiro Arai in PWRC. His car is a Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C 2005, tells the Four Times World Champion Tommi Mäkinen.

Click and check images of Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C 2006:



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4.4.2005 - Tommi Mäkinen participated "Tour de Päijänne" -enduro

"Great Finnish Adventure" titled "Tour de Päijänne" -enduro started on last friday for it's 70th time. Large amount of glorious Finnish motorstars and other celebrities participated the event. For example four times rally world champion Tommi Mäkinen, trial world champion Tommi Ahvala, Formula 4 -class motorboats world champion Joachim Brunila, father of Formula 1 driver Kimi Räikkönen Matti Räikkönen and member of Parliament Risto Kuisma started the hard event.

After two days of difficult enduro the winner was Heikki Timonen. Four times rally world champion Tommi Mäkinen finished 38th overall nearly and hour behind the winner Timonen. In B-class Mäkinen was second.

16.2.2005 - Jukka Ketomäki won Swedish rally 2005 gr. N with TMR supplied car!

28-vuotias Jukka Ketomäki suorastaan dominoi N-ryhmää Ruotsin MM-rallissa. Ylistarolainen kilpa-autoilija otti johtopaikan haltuunsa perjantain ensimmäisellä erikoiskokeella ja piti siitä kiinni lähes koko kilpailun ajan. Kovin kamppailu talvirallin herruudesta käytiin Subaruilla ajaneiden Ketomäen ja japanilaisen Toshihiro Arain kesken. Kolmen päivän aikana Arai jäi suomalaisässälle 1.19,1. Kolmanneksi ryhmässä nousi ikinuori Stig Blomqvist, suomalaisten Aki Teiskosen ja Jussi Välimäen ajauduttua ongelmiin.

-Ajoimme tänään tarkasti keskellä tietä, kiviä kierrellen. Kisa oli pitkä ja lumettomuus teki ajamisesta tarkkuutta vaativaa. Kaikki onnistui loistavasti ja pystyimme lopulta kontrolloimaan kisan kulkua, tyytyväinen ylistarolainen kertoi ratkaisujen jälkeen.

Perjantaina ja lauantaina Ketomäkeä ja kartanlukijana toiminutta Mika Stenbergiä kiusasivat vaihdelaatikkomurheet. -Viitosvaihde ja pakki olivat kateissa, korjausten jälkeen vitonen löytyi, mutta pakki jäi puuttumaan. Onneksi näillä ajetaan pääasiassa eteenpäin, Ketomäki naureskeli.

Ketomäki on nakuttanut tasaisen hyviä tuloksia viimeisen vuoden aikana, voittaen mm. 2004 FIA:n alaisen Pohjoisen alueen European Rally Cupin ja saavuttaen SM-sarjasta hopeaa ison N-ryhmän kalustolla.

Tälle kaudelle automerkki vaihtui Subaruun, joka toi mukanaan uudet haasteet uuden merkin kanssa. - Pari kuukautta olemme tehneet huoltomiestemme kanssa ympäripyöreää päivää. Tunturiin lähdimme lähes kylmiltään. Siellä sattui pikku kolarisuma, jossa automme oli keskimmäisenä. Kovan kiireen keskellä menestys täällä ruotsissa palkitsee kyllä meitä kaikkia ja nyt tuntuu hyvältä, Jukka päättää.

9.8.2004 - Mäkinen to drive course car in Japan

Tommi Makinen will be back in the World Championship stage himself on the Rally Japan on September. Four time World Rally Champion will drive a Subaru as course car.

- It will be very interesting to drive in the newest round of the WRC. I am looking forward to drive right hand Subaru. This will be my first experience in right hand drive rally car, Mäkinen said for a large group of journalist in International Media Meeting in Puuppola.

8.8.2004 - Atkinshon showed speed in Finland

Austarlian rally driver Chris Atkinson made impressive drive in the Neste Rally Finland in the Tommi Makinen Racing prepared Subaru WRX Sti 24 year old Atkinson with older brother, Ben as his co-driver finished 33rd overall and seventh in Group N. Atkison had good start in the rally, but then had heavy landing on Friday which damaged the car. On Saturday he set very good times in legendary Ouninpohja stage. Jozef Beres in the other Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subaru did good times as well, but then 19 year old driver from Slovakia rolled on Saturday evening.

- Both Chris and Jozef drove unbelievable good when we think that this was their first Rally Finland. I am very pleased about Chris Atkinson's times in challenging stages. He can be the next Australian star in the WRC, Tommi Mäkinen said

3.8.2004 - Two Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subarus in Rally Finland

Chris Atkinson from Australia and Josef Beres from Slovakia are the two drivers to drive Tommi Mäkinen Racing Group N Subarus in Rally Finland.

Atkinson won the round of Australian Rally Championship in last Sunday and then flew immediately to Finland. This is the first Rally Finland for Atkinson and he is very exited about the Finnish Grand Prix.

Young and promising Josef Beres visited at Tommi Mäkinen Rally School in the beginning of June. Tommi, the five time Rally Finland winner, and Pasi Hagström coached him three days how to drive in ultra fast Finnish gravel roads. Only 19 year old Slovak is now ready to take the challenge with Tommi Mäkinen Racing Group N Subaru. Beres has WRC experience for example in Rally Monte Carlo he finished ninth overall by Hyundai WRC.

Both drivers tested Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subarus on Tuesday near Jyväskylä before the race.

21.6.2004 - Two Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subarus in Rally Finland

There will be more Tommi Mäkinen Mäkinen Racing Group N Subarus in the Finnish Rally Championship Series. 27-years old Toni Klemets from Turku will change from Mitsubishi to Subaru after summer. Klemets, now fourth in Group N points, made his decision after testing Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subaru.

- Tommi's Subaru feels like a real driver's car. It was easy to handle and it made all you wanted in a very correct way. I think it is a winner's car, Klemets describe his test experience.

- Toni's move shows that we have gained our clients trust. We will do our best that our clients will stay on top of progress, Tommi Mäkinen said.

12.6.2004 - Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subaru took the second place in Itäralli

Jarkko Miettinen made very good job in the first Tommi Mäkinen Racing constructed Subaru last weekend. 25-years old Miettinen and co-driver Mikko Markkula took the second place in Group N in the Finnish Rally Championship round. Tommi Mäkinen was very pleased with the car´s performance and Jarkko´s driving.

- This was a very good experince and showed that our car has a lot of potential, Mäkinen commented with the happy face.

11.6.2004 - First Tommi Mäkinen Racing Subaru ready to rally

The first group N Subaru from Tommi Mäkinen Racing Ltd is ready for rallies. Tommi Mäkinen launched the car in Puuppola today.

“This is a great moment. The first Group N Subaru that we have constructed can now be taken to rallies”, Mäkinen enthused and happily introduced the car to a large group of media people.

First real test in Itäralli

The Subaru has been painted in Tommi Mäkinen Racing Ltd's colors and will take part in the Finnish Rally Championship race in Joensuu at weekend. The driver is Jarkko Miettinen (winner Group N Neste Rally Finland 2002) and Mikko Markkula will be his co-driver.

“Naturally I hope that Jarkko and Mikko will do well in the rally and that the car will work technically as it should. Of course it also has to keep up with the pace”, Mäkinen said, while looking forward to the exciting Saturday.

7.5.2004 - Tommi Mäkinen Racing LTD enters the Baltic market

The Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru has authorized Tommi Mäkinen Racing LTD to act as the official importer of Group N rally cars in Scandinavia and Baltic countries. The company is also the agent for the official STI (Subaru Tecnica International) spare parts in this market.

"This is a remarkable start for our work with Subaru's N-Group", Mäkinen said at a press conference in Tallinn on Friday.

Also the company's international Internet site was introduced at the press meeting. It can be found at www.tommimakinen.com.

"Our goal is to increase Subaru's market share in this field. In addition to Scandinavia, rallying holds a strong position in Baltic countries as well. We aim to be at the forefront of new innovations and offer our clients top notch equipment with which they can compete anywhere in the world", Mäkinen told a number of reporters on the Estonian Subaru dealer's premises.

Tommi Mäkinen Racing LTD sold its first N-Group Subaru to Finland last month.

"In the Baltic, the first country to buy an N-Group Subaru was Latvia just before the First of May", said satisfied Mäkinen.

Joel Kakri, working for Subaru Estonia dealer As Mariine Autos, is Tommi Mäkinen Racing LTD's agent in the area, acted as an intermediary in the deal.

Rally School started

The four-time rally champion has been a busy man for the past couple of months, as the company's various business activities have started in earnest.

"We organize rally schools for prospective future champions. Besides Finland, there have been pupils from, for instance, Italy, and next month there will be some Czechs in Puuppola", Mäkinen enthused about his rally school, where all aspects of rallying are carefully dealt with.