Q&A: Toni Gardemeister.

Skoda's Toni Gardemeister is hoping that his recent test session in Moravia will set him up for a good result to end the 2003 FIA World Rally Championship. Here the Finn talks about that test, his hopes for Wales Rally GB and a lot, lot more...

Q:
Toni [Gardemeister], Moravia is an unusual place to choose for testing. What were the roads like and was it a good preparation for Rally GB?

Toni Gardemeister:
The first day that we were there was zero degrees and very hard roads but the second day was foggy and wet - just like we expect Wales to be! The roads were a bit rougher than we usually have in Wales but otherwise I think everything was fairly similar so it was a good test. We'll make our final adjustments at the shakedown on Thursday.

Q:
You found a new direction for development on asphalt that brought good results. Did you find anything new for gravel?

TG:
I hope so. We found some improvements but it won't be so easy to make such a big step forward as we saw in Finland that we weren't so far behind anyway. We should get a little bit closer to the leading teams and so that will be good for us in Wales. It would be nice to finish the season by scoring some drivers' points.

Q:
Looking back, do you think that the Fabia WRC made some progress in its first two months of championship rallying?

TG:
We had some problems on the events in October but overall the car is working quite well and getting better all the time. Because of the weather in Corsica and Catalunya we struggled with our tyre choices that might have stopped us getting even better results.

Q:
Tyre choice shouldn't be a problem in Wales, should it?

TG:
No, it is usually quite easy. If the weather is damp or wet then we will choose the softest compound and the widest tread pattern.

Q:
After the rally you can relax a little. What plans have you made?

TG:
Nothing yet! What I really need to do is some sport because I need to complete the recovery from the wrist I broke before Australia. I'd like to do some cross country skiing but first I need to buy some skis. I had some when I was young but I don't think they'll fit now!