Gardemeister happy with Ford

Toni Gardemeister was satisfied with his first competitive day as a factory Ford driver after completing Leg 1 of the Monte Carlo Rally fifth overall

David Evans Jan 21, 2005, 7:29 PM

The Finn who comprises half of a brand new line-up for the Blue Oval in 2005, Roman Kresta completes the other half, was very happy with the behaviour of the Focus WRC and reckons there is more to come.

"I haven't changed anything on the car today," he said. "The car has been fantastic today. I was really happy with my time on Stage 3 (he was third fastest), and I thought we could go even better on the second run of that stage but actually the time was a lot worse."

Kresta is embarking on his first full year as works driver, and understandably, is playing himself in to the role gently: "I started this morning very slowly on the first stage and wanted to come on step by step. And after the last time, I do feel better.

"I want to get to the finish here, but I don't want to be slow. It's hard to know the pace when you are trying to learn. On the last stage I was sliding the car more which felt better for my style, I've got more confidence for tomorrow."