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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 |
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