Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has completed the line-up for its junior driver development scheme, which aims to reveal future World Rally Championship (WRC) contenders.
Finnish driver Teemu Suninen.
Finland’s Teemu Suninen is the second member of the TMG programme for 2015, alongside France’s Eric Camilli, who was announced in January. Both will develop their skills in a variety of cars and events as they expand their rally experience.
Teemu, 21, has forged a reputation as a promising talent following his rally debut in 2013. He made his mark in the 2014 Rally Finland when, on his WRC debut, he won the WRC 3 class.
Eric, 27, is a relatively late starter in rallying but has already turned heads in one-make cups along with second place in the Junior class at Rally France last year. He also won the prestigious Rallye Jeunes FFSA driver search in 2012, following in the footsteps of recent French World Champions.
In addition to competing in WRC 2 and WRC 3, Eric and Teemu will test the Yaris WRC as they gain vital experience behind the wheel of a WRC car. Alongside the experienced duo of Stéphane Sarrazin and Sebastian Lindholm, they will push the Yaris WRC to its limits on a range of surfaces across Europe this year.
The programme also aims to develop the drivers’ existing skills in terms of personal fitness, communication, media relations and team work.
Yoshiaki Kinoshita, President: “We are delighted to have Eric and Teemu as part of the TMG junior driver programme this year. We’ve been working with both drivers since the beginning of the year and we have been very impressed. Both have huge potential in rally; they are extremely fast but also intelligent and methodical. These are qualities which are necessary to succeed in this discipline. We tested several young drivers late last year and Eric and Teemu both stood out as having strong potential so we expect to grow as a team together with them. It is an exciting time for all of us and we are looking forward to taking the next steps on our journey together with Eric and Teemu.”
Young French driver Eric Camilli.Eric Camilli: “It’s fantastic for me to be a part of an organisation like TMG and I would like to thank them for the trust they have shown in me. The project is incredibly exciting and it’s a great opportunity for me, as well as for Teemu. I know I still have plenty to learn in rally and I think the TMG junior driver development scheme is the perfect way for me to gain more experience; not only in terms of driving but all the other aspects of being a WRC driver. I am fully motivated to make the most of this chance.”
Teemu Suninen: “I am very proud to join the TMG junior driver development scheme. TOYOTA has such a strong reputation and history in rally; it’s a great honour to be selected by TMG to be a part of their return. I can’t wait to get started; I will give my maximum to repay the faith shown in me. My target is to learn as much as possible, because I am still early in my rally career. I want to grow with the team and I’m looking forward to working alongside Stéphane, Sebastian and Eric. There is a positive and professional atmosphere within the team which is very motivating.”
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