Gardemeister launches own team for IRC bid

Highly regarded driver Toni Gardemeister has formed his own team for an expanded assault on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011.

The 35-year-old from Finland has established TGS Worldwide Oü to contest several IRC events this season, the full details of which are due to be announced shortly.

“TGS is a new brand in motorsport, but it based on many years of experience,” said Gardemeister, who finished 10th overall on Rallye Monte-Carlo last month. “All our mechanics and engineers have a great experience in rally and worked with me during a long time on different world events. I’m absolutely confident in their skills and sure that my team is the best way to realise all my future plans.”

Gardemeister has recruited Tapio Suominen to navigate him in place of Tomi Tuominen who has revealed plans to retire from competition.

TGS stands for Toni Gardemeister Sports. It is not clear what car Gardemeister will drive.

The 2011 IRC season resumes with Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés, which runs from 14-16 April.