Gardemeister on a high following strong test

Toni Gardemeister has been tipped for a strong result on Barum Czech Rally Zlín, the Finn’s sixth appearance in this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge, following a successful pre-event test.

Gardemeister, currently eighth in the IRC drivers’ table, campaigns a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 for his own TGS Worldwide operation. He prepared for the asphalt round with a one-day test in Poland recently.

The team’s Mike Patterson said: “It’s the best feeling he’s had with the car all year and we’ll be going for more improvement on this event. We’re not looking at overall results, just stage times and as long as we’re improving those then we’ll be very happy.”

Patterson said that Gardemeister’s tenure as a factory ŠKODA Motorsport driver during his early career has made him a popular figure among the Czech fans. “He’s got a big fan base so that must raise you,” said Patterson.