Gardemeister lands prize Suzuki WRC drive

The 32-year-old Gardemeister will pilot the new Suzuki SX4 WRC with compatriot Tomi Tuominen at his side.

Since making his world championship debut in 1996, Gardemeister's best rally performances to date have been as runner-up at Monte Carlo, Greece and Corsica when driving for Ford in 2005.

President of Suzuki Sport, Nobuhiro Tajima, said: "Toni is one of the world's best rally drivers with a wide experience on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice, but also with superb testing skills."

Gardemeister added: "It is very nice to work with a newcomer. Suzuki has a great team and I am happy that I can be part of this exciting project. I am sure that we have to work very hard together, but that we will have a great future."

Suzuki's other car will be driven by this year's World Junior Champion, Per Gunnar Andersson of Sweden.

The Japanese's team's new car made its debut at this year's Tour of Corsica in October, and also contested the Rally of Great Britain at the end of November, but will compete for the entire season for the first time next year.

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