Furthermore following two 'test' events in Corsica and Britain at the end of 2007, the SX4 WRC will feature 'new differential and suspension settings for Monte Carlo', as well as a 'raft of other improvements under the skin', all of which should help team drivers'
Toni Gardemeister and Per-Gunnar Andersson as they look to get the best out of the machine.
"As we embark on our full first season, our goal is to make steady progress by taking one step at a time," said Tajima. "Results are obviously important, but we cannot get ahead of ourselves either. In our debut year, it’s only natural to expect a few minor problems and we’re grateful to have a driver of the calibre of Toni Gardemeister to help us improve."
Gardemeister meanwhile has set his sights on getting points this weekend on an event he regards as one of his favourites. Indeed he has competed on the Monte nine times to date, five times finishing in the points - and ending up on the podium as recently as 2006.
"It’s fantastic for me to be back in the World Championship with
Suzuki, and if things go well for us in Monte Carlo I think we can come away with points," he added. "The car is still new, so we’re not going to be on the pace of the frontrunners yet, but the overall set-up and reliability is good.
"The SX4 has a very compact wheelbase so it changes direction quickly, which will be very useful on the fast and twisty roads of Monte Carlo. This is always an unpredictable event, but I think that mixed conditions could actually work in our favour. I’m particularly looking forward to the Col de Turini stages on Sunday: these are unique stages and I’ve always had a very good feeling with them."
Production Car WRC / Junior WRC:
The Rallye Monte Carlo is the only event of the season -like last year - that will not count as either a round of the
FIA Junior World Rally Championship or the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship. The Production Car WRC begins in Sweden next month, while the Junior series gets underway on round three in Mexico, also in February.
Other significant entries:
Just under 50 crews are due to start.
Around 49 crews are due to start the season opener, eighteen of which will be in World Rally Cars.
In addition to the manufacturer drivers’, former Junior Rally Championship runner,
Conrad Rautenbach will use a
Citroen Xsara WRC, like he did on Wales Rally GB, while five Peugeots are entered, with Francois Delecour, Laurent Carbonaro, Jean-Marie Cuoq and Philippe Roux due to compete in 307 WRC's, while Frederic Romeyer will use a 206 WRC.
