In Monte Carlo it looked quite promising already. We haven't done any tarmac tests yet and Germany is also different to 'normal' asphalt events. It is quite dirty and it is a little bit like Monte Carlo in some ways. I think in Germany we could do quite well and I like the event there too.

Crash.net:
How would you sum up the first half of the season?

TG:
Like you said before it started quite promisingly and the team got points in Monte Carlo and Sweden. That was very good. In fact it was a surprisingly good start because it was a new team and new car - everything was new and there was not so much pre-season testing either. We immediately set quite good times. But then we started to get a few little reliability problems during the next few events. That was not so good. I would say it was mixed. There were good stage times - but there were also a lot of retirements. I have mixed feelings overall.

Crash.net:
There has been speculation Suzuki might take a sabbatical at the end of this season. How much does the sport need them to carry on?

TG:
[long pause] ...Hopefully we can get some good results and everything will go well in the second half. I haven't actually heard anything from the team that they might be considering that. We need to get some results now and that is what we will try and do.

Crash.net:
Mikko Hirvonen and Sebastien Loeb are currently battling for the 2008 drivers' title. Who is your tip to take the crown?

TG:
Hopefully Mikko will get the title. But there are some tarmac events coming up and Sebastien will be very quick on those rounds. I'd like Mikko to do it [as he is a Finn like me], but at the moment its look a little bit more like it will be Sebastien.

Crash.net:
Have you got any advice for Mikko?

TG:
He needs to try and concentrate really well on the tarmac events - and win the Rally Finland.

Crash.net:
Jari-Matti Latvala stepped up to the Ford 'A' team this season. Have you been impressed with his form?

TG:
At the start of the year I was a bit surprised that he was so quick immediately. But I always felt he was very quick. What has surprised me is that he hasn't made many mistakes this year. He has calmed down a little bit and that is very good. He is concentrating more and it is very good that he is helping Mikko - and Ford to take the manufacturers' title.

Crash.net:
Sum up what you want to achieve by the end of the year with Suzuki?

TG:
We want to finish every event and I would like to be in the points on every rally if possible. I finished seventh in Sweden and hopefully we can get in the top-six on some rounds this year.


TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH TONI GARDEMEISTER: CLICK HERE