Otto Mobile 1/18 Suzuki SX4 WRC Rally Monte Carlo 2008

Otto Mobile 1/18 Suzuki SX4 WRC Rally Monte Carlo 2008

Since 2006, the WRC has been in crisis. Only three official teams remain (Citroën, Ford, and Subaru). So when Suzuki announced the launch of an official program in the premier league in 2007, it was excellent news. Since 2002, the Japanese manufacturer had been performing well in the “second division” with two JWRC titles in 2004 and 2007. Naturally, its move up to the top flight was followed with great interest. After two test rallies in 2007, the Suzuki SX4 WRC began its first official season at the 2008 Monte Carlo Rally. The official drivers, Toni Gardemeister and Per-Gunnar Andersson, were determined to do well in this debut. The two drivers were fairly close and remained in the top 15. For Gardemeister, mechanical problems complicated his second day of racing, but he managed to return to the top 10 on the eve of the finish. Unfortunately, his engine failed after the first special stage on Sunday while he was 10th overall. All hopes now lay with PG Andersson. The reigning Junior Champion managed the end of the race well and secured an encouraging 8th place in his first Monte Carlo Rally at the wheel of a World Rally Car.