News
 9.3.2008 - Jari Ketomaa took first victory with TMR 08 Subaru Impreza

Third round of Finnish Rally Championship was successful for Subaru Dealer Team Finland. Two-times Finnish Champion Jari Ketomaa claimed Group N victory in only his second rally with new TMR 08 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

After good testing sessions Ketomaa and co-driver Miika Teiskonen were confident before Nilsia Rally and they started with clear aim to fight for victory.

- With Tommi Makinen Racing we did careful preparations and lot of development work before this event. Our pace was fast already on previous event, but now I could really go for it, Ketomaa informed.

After opening two stages Ketomaa was 3,9 seconds behind the leader, but after that he controlled the rally with four Group N fastest stages times. Finnish Subaru-star eased off his speed on the last stage, but he still won by 26,3 seconds ahead of Mitsubishi-driver Matti Rantanen.

- We did not have any problems during the rally. Both drivers were in top form and we could stay on the road even if there were some close moments between the snow banks, told Ketomaa.

- This result was important for Subaru and also for myself. Now Finnish winter season is over and I will concentrate to my next PWRC event, Argentina Rally on 27.-30. of March.

There could have been Subaru Dealer Team one-two in Nilsia Rally, but Teemu Arminen had to retire on SS4 after really great start.

Arminen was inside Top-3 in all opening stages and was actually leading by 1,5 seconds when he started to SS4.

- It was a real pity when we landed on ditch. It was a fast corner and front wheels jumped off the line. There were not any grip on loose snow and we went off the road. It was disappointment when our rally ended like this, but my competitive speed did give us more boost to next events, Arminen reported.

Before summer season starts in Finland, Arminen will also head to Argentina to recce the stages of the next World Rally event.

Important victory for Subaru

Everyone in Tommi Makinen Racing was happy for Ketomaa's victory. First place was important result for the whole team.

- Development of this new car is still at very beginning, but TMR 08 Subaru Impreza and Ketomaa did show their speed. We did already know potential of the car and this event just confirmed it. Now we start to develop it to gravel events, said GM Esko Reiners from Tommi Makinen Racing Ltd.

Results from Nilsia Rally you can find here: http://www.tenab.net/v2008/080308y.htm





 
 
 
10.2.2008 - Ketomaa second in PWRC Sweden - eight Championship points from the first PWRC event is an excellent result

Reigning Finnish Rally Champion and group-N Subaru Impreza WRX driver Jari Ketomaa had an excellent debut in PWRC and its' first round at Sweden as he finished the rally into second position. In Friday he lead PWRC but puncture and speedy spin dropped him behind winner Juho Hänninen.

- When the stages were in drivable condition I tried to give my maximum for it. However one minute is an impossible time to gain in rallying. And the stages were in pretty rough condition on second pass. Therefore we didn't take unnecessary risks with our group-N rally car, told Ketomaa.

- We started rallying for group-N victory but after misfortune second position and eight highly valuable Championship points is an excellent result aswell. Our goals were on podium in PWRC. I think we did good job as we had no room for failure and zero points, continued co-driver Miika Teiskonen.

Ketomaa wasn't happy for the condition of the stages.

- Organizers were forced to cancel two stages due warm temperature and very bad condition special stages. We tried to avoid punctures on rough sections but weren't able to pass rocks which were hidden on the line of driving. However we had lots of luck in this weekend as we didn't suffer any punctures, told Ketomaa.

Finns double party in WRC Sweden

Flying Finns scored first and second position in WRC and in PWRC. In WRC Ford manufacturer rally team drivers Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen won double podium for Finland and in PWRC Juho Hänninen and Jari Ketomaa did same. Hänninen was one minute and 23 seconds faster than Ketomaa, which scored tenth position in overall classifications.

Finns gained double lead on Saturday as swedish Patrik Sandell lost time and his leading position on off. At the end Sandell rushed back to podium and gained third position. Reigning group-N Champion japanise Toshi Arai was sixth in opening round of the season.

Next time Jari Ketomaa and his co-driver Miika Teiskonen fights for PWRC Championship points in WRC Argentina at the end of March. Before that event Subaru Dealer Team Finland rally drivers rallies for Finnish Championship points in Laukaa and in Nilsiä.

PWRC Sweden final results, Top-6:
1. Juho Hänninen FIN Mitsub. 2.59.08,7
2. Jari Ketomaa FIN Subaru +1.23,2
3. Patrik Sandell SWE Peugeot +1.51,8
4. Martin Prokop CZE Mitsub. +2.03,0
5. Uwe Nittel GER Mitsub. +3.55,3
6. Toshi Arai JPN Subaru +4.22,9




 
27.1.2008 - Jari Ketomaa did start to defend his title with 3rd place at Arctic Lapland Rally

The first round of the Finnish Rally Championship took place in north of Finland at traditional Arctic Lapland Rally. Rally route was in good form and temperature was not too cold, around -12 degrees. In the two-day event there was totally 12 special stages.

Before the rally it was announced a new team, Subaru Dealer Team Finland, which is run by Tommi Mäkinen Racing. Drivers in the team are reigning Finnish Champion Jari Ketomaa and Teemu Arminen, who was 5th in last years championship.

Jari Ketomaa started the rally strongly and took second place behind Mitsubishi driver Juha Salo. After six demanding stages difference between two leading drivers was 36 seconds. Teemu Arminen was also happy with his results and he was holding 5th place only three seconds behind 4th place.

Second day of the rally started well with Subaru-duo, but in SS 9 Arminen had to retire after hitting the snow bank too deeply.

- There was only some spectators in that point and it took as nearly an hour to get back on the road. Our retirement was a pity, because 4th place could have been well possible for us, Arminen reported.

In Ketomaa´s Impreza they made in the service some new suspension settings, but this time the winning pace was too fast. Eventually Ketomaa lost his second place in the end just by 2,4 seconds.

- To finish 3rd place was not what I was aiming. We did everything we could and I was driving maximum, and sometimes also over that limit. I did visit a few times in snow banks, but luckily not lost many time. In the next events my aim is to fight for victories, told Ketomaa.

The second round of Finnish Rally Championship "Peurunka Rally" will take place on 16 February 2008 in Laukaa.

Just a week before that Subaru Dealer Team Finland duo will compete in the second WRC round, Swedish Rally.

Results you can find here: www.arcticrally.fi/tulokset.html

Group N, Championship points after 1/7 rounds:
1. Juha Salo, Mitsubishi 24
2. Kosti Katajamäki, Mitsubishi 20
3. Jari Ketomaa, Subaru 16
4. Marko Kakko, Mitsubishi 13
5. Pekka Keski-Korsu, Mitsubishi 10
6. Heikki Westerlund, Mitsubishi 8
7. Tommi Luostarinen, Mitsubishi 6
8. Jani Salomaa, Subaru 5




28.11.2007 - TMR 08 Group N Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2008 rally car

The long awaited launch of the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C base car has taken place at the Tokyo Motor Show last week to great applause. This outright sport model was widely expected to be the car on which Subaru would base its next generation of Impreza rally car, and reviews so far indicate that this model will uphold Subaru’s rally heritige.

With noteably more aggressive styling differences over the standard Impreza launched earlier this year, the STI Spec C car will become an instant winner in the fashion stakes.

With this new car and its completely new look, comes potentially greater advantages for the Engineers at TMR to produce a truly great Group N rally car. The aggressive styling in the wheel arches houses a wider track to the base car, which TMR believe will increase the balance and stability of the car on the rough.
- Subaru WRX STI Spec C specifications.
- Coupe style chassis.
- New wide track version body.
- New multi link rear suspension set up.
- Revised 2.0ltr boxer engine with both inlet and exhaust valves featuring variable timing.

At this point TMR can now release detailed information on the development work it has been carrying out within its close partnership with STI on the build-up to this launch.

New design FIA Holomogated (01/01/08) roll cage

TMR have designed and developed an all multi-point new safety roll cage in line with the latest FIA regulations from T45 material.

Engine horse power

Engine horse power along with an increase in torque has been established in the new TMR step 3 engine version, due mainly to the inclusion of variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts, but also due to the new design turbo restrictor and the new type intercooler.

A Motec M800 ECU with data logging option has been chosen by TMR to support the requirements of this new engine version.

A full stainless steel exhaust system to include catalytic converter and silencer has been designed by TMR for the new car.

A wider power band and approximatly 285bhp and 570 Nm of torque have been established.

Transmission performance

TMR will continue to offer the Modena five and six speed dog engagement transmissions, but these will now include the STI oil cooling system.

STI Homolgated front and rear Limited Slip Differentials will be used in conjunction with the new Motec CDDC centre differential control unit which will provide greater control on varying surfaces with the adaption of four alternative differential map settings.

TMR will also use STI driveshafts, clutch cover and plate and the latest version of the STI short gear lever link to complement its transmission package for the new car.

New generation dampers and suspension components.

Working with Reiger, TMR have developed completely new damper set-ups with revised compression and rebound damping characteristics to suit the wide body version of the new Impreza.

New STI evolution top mounts are used together with the latest hard bush kit from STI.

STI will also supply the latest versions of their anti-roll bars and front TCA uniballs to complement the suspension package from TMR.

Steering and brakes

A 13 : 1 ratio quick rack is used in the new car to control the steering, whilst STI homologated brakes are used front and rear for both tarmac and gravel. A new STI break pressure valve and hand brake are used in the new car along with Endless/TMR brake pads and Krontec hard brake lines and stainless steel fittings.

Other areas of TMR development

New design interior

With the new car design, comes a new interior and TMR have worked on a program of providing an aestheticaly pleasing interior.

A full carbon fibre interior has been generated to include an all new centre console, driver and co-driver foot rests and new door panel cards to suit the new doors and roll cage design.

Also included in the new car for the 08 season is an all new Dash 200 touch screen data information screen for the engine and CDDC data display, and the new HIDJA trip master, co-driver application..

Fuel tank and fuel system

TMR and Premier Fuel Systems have developed a completely new fuel safety cell bag tank for underfloor fitment with 75 litres capacity.

The new system will incorporate the normal FIA required fittings but also with an optional twin Bosch fuel pump and twin fuel sensor system to provide a greater level of accuracy. Krontec have worked closely with TMR in the development of all new fuel pipes and hoses for the new car layout.

Safety equipment

OMP have designed and supplied the new aluminium fire extinguisher system and will also supply both the Hanns device seats and steering wheels for the 08 car, whilst Sabelt will supply the safety harness equipment.

Electrics and lighting

PIAA will supply lighting equipment for the new car. Testing of the new bonnet pod has taken place with the PIAA Night Spot product being first choice and the HID Spots being the chosen fog lamp application.

Under floor protection

In developing the new car TMR Engineers have designed a number of new products for the car as well as using tried and tested products. With the under floor protection both these scenarios were used. Tried and tested processes for underfloor construction were used with new materials and designs.

Kevlar floor protection with special rubber covers have been used, along with a new design aluminium front sump guard with support bars and mountings, front and rear.

Aluminium fuel tank and rear differential guards complement the new designs up front.

Car delivery

As the car will conform to a January 1st 2008 Homologation date, as anticipated by TMR, all the preliminary testing carried out by the ex World Champion Tommi Makinen has lead to TMR being in a position to provide full specifcation 2008 models as of January 1st .

Those customers wishing to take advantage of an early delivery should contact TMR as soon as possible on the following numbers, as current interest in the car suggests demand will be high.

Also now available from TMR for immediate delivery are Subaru WRX STI Spec C base cars. Both blue and white cars are currently available include left hand drive conversion kit and Euro import duty paid.

Recently released pictures by Subaru of a WRC concept car provide a greater insight as to how the new Group N car may look for next season.

More news on the Tommi Makinen Racing 08 Group N car in next months TMR News Update.

24.10.2007 - Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2008 published - Tommi Mäkinen Racing builds cars for rally usage

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) is a manufacturer for Subaru Impreza WRX cars. Together with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) the companies have published a brand new Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2008 car. At the same time the delivers of third generation Impreza WRX STi cars for dealers have begun.

2008 specifications Impreza WRX STi is very much different than it’s’ predecessors. Its’ design, performance and other features utilizes better f.ex constant AWD, more powerful boxer engine, new geometry suspension and multi-setup centre differential. New Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2008 expresses f.ex consistency and refined functionality. Shorter roll cage, aggressive spoiler and bodywork extensions proves new Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008 to be a true sports car.

- In rally scene FHI (Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.) is hoping for FIA to homologate new Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2008 at 1st of January 2008. Therefore first next generation Impreza WRX STi could be seen in World Rally Championship series on its’ first event in Monte Carlo. In Finland the debut will happen in next three months at opening round of Finnish Rally Championship series in Arctic Lapland Rally, tells Tommi Mäkinen Racing GM Esko Reiners.

– Tommi Mäkinen Racing has made lots of test and development work for new Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008. Test results have been extremely couraging and therefore we cannot wait until the moment of FIA homologation takes place or the debut rally of new Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Building program for new car is in solid speed as first delivers for customers are soon on their way. We’re extremely happy for the demand we’ve faced, Reiners continued.






















 
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