Double Finnish Rally Champion Jari Ketomaa will be facing new challenges in the forthcoming 2008 season as he enters the Production Car World Rally Championship behind the steering wheel of a Subaru Impreza.
For several years Ketomaa has been driving in top positions within the demanding Finnish Rally Championship, winning the nation's Group N titles in 2006 and 2007.
"At the end of the 2007 season I signed a deal with Tommi Mäkinen Racing. That opened new possibilities for my career. After Christmas me and my background team got all pieces of the puzzle in the correct positions and the entry for the PWRC is now done," declared a satisfied Jari Ketomaa.
"Tommi Mäkinen Racing and the Italian Motoring Club make my international rally program possible for the 2008 season. Big regards go to my partners as they have given the green light for this project," he underlined.
Ketomaa's schedule will be an engaged one over the coming year: "The 2008 season also includes Finnish Rally Championship events. Therefore it'll be a busy and challenging season for me."
Over the last few years, Jari Ketomaa gained rallying experience in Finland, China, Italy, Latvia, Estonia and Sweden. After a strong 2007 season including five victories in Finland and three more victories abroad, he now seeks top positions in the PWRC with the help of co-driver Miika Teiskonen.
"We face new opponents and new events. However Jari doesn't have to worry about his speed. In the past two seasons he has made clear to his rivals that he is very tough opponent," said Teiskonen, who has much co-driving experience in the Production Championship.
In December, Ketomaa won the group N category at the conclusion of his first Italian rally at the Prealpi Master Show. In regards to his career, that victory was probably the most important one so far.
"I was able to create positive relations with the Motoring Club team," he related. "And I guess I made a good impression on the team as well. They contacted me before Christmas and offered a seat in the forthcoming season."
"My aim now is to successfully continue this Finn-Italian co-operation," Ketomaa stated.
Before the PWRC season begins, competitors must name the six out of eight events in which they plan to participate. Jari Ketomaa will be driving a Subaru Impreza in Sweden, Argentina, Greece, Finland, New Zealand and Wales.
