Suzuki unveils its 2008 livery and riders

Suzuki, which will begin its first season in the World Rally Championship, unveiled its car in its final livery this week, along with the names of its two drivers and co-drivers.

The Suzuki SX4, which appeared white during the two WRC tests in the 2007 season, is now dressed in a light gray and yellow livery. The sponsors remain the same, but the vehicle looks much more aggressive.

On the driver side, the team has finally chosen a Nordic quartet, with Toni Gardemeister and Per-Gunnar Andersson (from the Junior WRC) making up the 2008 lineup, accompanied by Tomi Tuominen and Jonas Andersson, respectively.

Toni [Gardemeister] is one of the best rally drivers on any surface… Gravel, asphalt, snow, ice. Additionally, P-G [Andersson], who is the only one to have won the junior championship twice (in the Suzuki Swift Super 1600), allows us to complete our young driver development program, which is very successful today. Stated Nobuhiro Tajima, president of Suzuki Sport and director of Suzuki in WRC.

« All together, drivers and co-drivers, they will allow us to optimally develop the SX4 WRC and reach a second level very soon with the new version. »

The very experienced Norwegian, Gardemeister, who was a long-time driver for Mitsubishi, has expressed eagerness to work with a new recruit: « It’s always nice to welcome a new driver, especially since I am very happy to be part of the Suzuki adventure. »

Andersson is also excited to make his entry into WRC: « I am really looking forward to joining the Suzuki World Rally Team. It will be my first year in WRC, so there will be a lot of things to learn, » admitted the Swede.

This one was being tested at the end of the week in Sweden. Andersson took the opportunity to experience driving a WRC on snow and ice.

See the photos of the new 2008 Suzuki SX4