Gardemeister to miss next IRC round

However, the 33-year-old Finn is targeting a return to the Eurosport-backed series on the all-gravel Sata Rally Acores on 7-9 May.

Gardemeister made a spectacular IRC debut in the Monte Carlo Rally last month, retiring from second place with just two stages to go as a result of an electrical problem. He is set to remain in the Astra Racing Abarth Grande Punto S2000 when he returns to the IRC.

"Unfortunately we ran out of time to secure a deal for Brazil, although we tried our best," said Gardemeister. "The target though is definitely to be back for the Sata Rally in the Azores. There's quite a long time after Brazil until that rally, so hopefully that will give us enough time to sort something out. I'm quite hopeful that we can do it."

Gardemeister added that he would focus on securing an IRC drive for 2009 as he believes that the series represents his best chance to return to full-time competition.

"I would say that it's looking very, very difficult for me to do something in the WRC this year," he said. "There's too much money and not enough cars. But with IRC, it is certainly more possible."

He was also pleased by his first taste of Super 2000 rallying in Monte Carlo.

"You have to drive the Super 2000 cars on the limit to get the most out of them and that means it is easy to make small mistakes," Gardemeister said. "There are very few chances for drivers in the WRC but in the IRC it is cheaper and there seem to be more opportunities."