Rallye de France-Tour de Corse (F), Saturday 11 October, day two (SS7-SS12): Up and down day for Suzuki on the twisty roads of Corsica

Having proved they have the pace for a points finish in Corsica, the two
Suzuki SX4 WRCs of Toni Gardemeister and P-G Andersson hit trouble in
separate incidents on the same stage at the end of day two.

The yellow cars started the day in a strong position to score driver and manufacturer
points, with Toni Gardemeister holding a points-scoring place for most of
the day. Unfortunately he hit fuel pressure problems on SS11, which meant
that he was forced to stop. He eventually rejoined the stage directly behind
another competitor, but five minutes and the same number of places had been
lost. The experienced Finn, who finished second on his last participation in
the Tour de Corse three years ago, ended up 13th overnight heading into the
final day. Nonetheless, he is still in a strong position to score precious
manufacturer points for Suzuki on what is widely reputed to be the most
fearsome and challenging asphalt rallies of them all.

P-G Andersson concentrated on building up his confidence today following an
accident on the previous asphalt rally in Spain, but he also came to grief
on SS11. The stage had previously held happy memories for the young Swede,
as it was on the 25-kilometre stretch of road between Calcatoggio and Plage
du Liamone that he effectively won his second Junior World Rally
Championship title last year, when an accident forced out his title rival.
This time though, it was P-G's turn to hit trouble. Just 1.3 kilometres into
the stage, he got caught out by a gravelly corner. With roads made dirty by
the previous passage of cars on the stage, there was nothing P-G could do as
his SX4 WRC skated into the side of the road, ending his day's work on the
spot. The car was recovered to the service park in the port of Ajaccio, and
he will re-start the final day of the Tour de Corse tomorrow under the super
rally system.

Car news - Suzuki SX4 WRC n.11 (Gardemeister), n.12 (Andersson):

Neither of the Suzuki SX4 WRCs had any major mechanical problems throughout
most of the day, until the troublesome stage 11, where a fuel pump issue
cost Toni's SX4 WRC some time.

Driver news:

Toni Gardemeister:

I ended the day having a touring car race with Subaru
driver Brice Tirabassi. It was incredible, I caught his car and drove to the
end of the stage right behind him - it was like there was a tow-rope between
the two cars. We'd lost a bit of time in the last two stages this afternoon,
which wasn't so good, but this morning I was happy. The car was running well
and we weren't having any trouble. I also felt a little bit better, which
was quite nice for me."

P-G Andersson:

The morning had been okay for me. I was still trying to find
the confidence after Catalunya. And, in all honesty, I wasn't pushing hard
enough. I just wanted to get to the finish of the day - but it wasn't going
to be that way. Not far after the start of the last-but-one stage of the
day, I was going into a left-hander. I cut the corner, but the bottom of the
car skated on the sumpguard. The car went across the road and off on the
other side. We couldn't get back to the road, but the car was completely
undamaged and we will start again tomorrow."

Team news:

, Suzuki World Rally Team Director: "Both drivers showed
consistency today. Unfortunately, P-G has had a problem in stage 11 this
afternoon, which was a shame because his confidence was coming back to him
and he was setting better times. And Toni had gone really well, setting
times always in or right on the edge of the top 10. We were happy with that,
particularly as he has been struggling with his illness. Then he lost time
in both the last stages. Toni and P-G will be back and fighting for Suzuki
on these incredible Corsican roads tomorrow."

Article and images: Suzuki Press

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