Q&A: Toni Gardemeister.

Skoda's Toni Gardemeister finished sixth in Australia last year and he believes that this time he can score the team's first points with the Fabia WRC.

Here the Finn talks about Oz, why it is popular but dangerous and a lot, lot more...

Q:
Rally Australia is a fast gravel event like Finland so will the Fabia WRC have a similar set-up?

Toni Gardemeister:
Yes I think so. The two events are not so different in many ways and if a car works in Finland then it should work in Australia. We will see at shakedown if we need to make some changes to the suspension but I think we should start from the same basic set-up. If everything is working well then I will certainly be looking to score our first points with the new car.

Q:
Rally Australia is often said to be the best event in the championship. What makes it so popular with everyone?

TG:
It is a very good event and I like it a lot. The stages are good and there is always a fantastic atmosphere. This year I think there are some new stages and a lot are being used the opposite way to before so it will feel quite different for everyone.

Q:
Some people have said it is quite dangerous. Do you agree?

TG:
The danger comes because the trees are so close to the road and if you go off it can be quite nasty. We have seen some big accidents in the past few years because of that. The stages are fast and very slippery because of the road surface and if it is wet then it will be extremely slippery and then really quite dangerous. For sure I would be much happier if the weather stays dry for the rally!

Q:
Like Didier [Auriol - your team-mate], you have had to fight to be fit for Rally Australia because of injury. What happened?

TG:
I slipped when I was playing in a charity ice-hockey match in Finland just after the rally. I put my right hand down to stop myself and broke a bone in the wrist. Luckily it wasn't a serious break but it has been quite painful. It was a very silly accident but the good thing is that EUR14,000 has been raised for a good purpose. Paavo [Lukander - my co-driver] did an excellent job.