12.2.2008 - Arminen fifth at Peurunka Rally, but Ketomaa into snow bank with new Impreza

Subaru Dealer Team driver Teemu Arminen claimed fifth place in Group N at Peurunka Rally last weekend. Arminen was not totally happy with his performance in the steering wheel of Impreza WRX STi 2007.

- After retiring in the opening round it was now important to get championship points. However, my pace was not at its best during the first stages. That´s why Top 4 drivers were able to escape from me. The latter part of the rally was OK, but this time 5th was maximum result for us, Arminen reported.

- I will drive with last year model still at next round, hopefully we can start summer season with new car.

Long expected debut for Jari Ketomaa with his new group-N Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2008 didn't go as planned as he with his co-driver Miika Teiskonen were forced into snow bank due off at legendary special stage called Lankamaa. A year ago Ketomaa was also in troubles at Lankamaa stage as he was forced to retire the rally due technical difficulties.

- In this event I haven't had much luck in previous seasons. A year ago I suffered technical problems and this time it was my own mistake near the end of the long stage, told Ketomaa.

- I had a full attack on as I pushed on greedy driving lines. I had lost part of front pumber a while ago as I kept pushing on snow banks. New car is a bit wider than its' predecessor. Maybe that's the reason why I drove a bit too inside of the corners.

- It was a fast uphill left corner near the end of 29 kilometer long stage. I put my car into sideways and cut the corner few centimetres too inside. Icy bank was strong but it suck front left tyre inside. At that point we were turned into travellers as the car dove into deep ditch. After one hour of snow works we were able to get the car back on the road but we were already out of the rally, told Ketomaa his moments.

Besides the retirement reigning Group N Finnish Champion found positive sides on his debut event with new Subaru. Ketomaa was only 2,4 seconds slower than rally winner Juha Salo on the first stage and approximately five seconds slower than Salo in split time of second stage.

- I'm extremely pleased for new TMR 08 Subaru Impreza WRX STi as we were immediately on better speed than 2007-spec car. New car responds better on steering and the drivability is really top class. I'm very confident that we can fight for victories after more testing and development work, Ketomaa believed.

Third and final round for winter season of Finnish Rally Championship is to be held at 7th and 8th of March at the region of Nilsiä.