Lehtinen returns to Toyota

Co-driver of Teemu Suninen since 2019, Jarmo Lehtinen has decided to put this role aside for good. “ It's a drastic change but in all honesty it's the reality of life, he explains on the website of WRC. Teemu only has a partial program this year and I need to secure a stable income ».

The health crisis and a part-time season got the better of the Finnish co-driver, who was saddened to have to abandon his compatriot along the way. “ I'm sad to leave Teemu, really sad. We started working together during the season in 2019 and we had a great project which was impacted by the pandemic. With only a few rallies now, it was difficult to continue ».

S’il ne sera plus sur une voiture en 2021, Jarmo Lehtinen sera toujours présent sur les rallyes. Ancien directeur sportif de Toyota Gazoo Racing, le Finlandais va reprendre du service chez le constructeur japonais.

« It was a difficult decision to make. When Toyota made me this offer, I put it on the table and we analyzed it. I spoke with Teemu and our manager and understood that I had to make this change ».

Within the TGR team, Jarmo Lehtinen will work closely with Kaj Lindström, the sports director.

« I will share the work with Kaj. He has a lot for one person. I will be at events and I will work in the office (in Jyväskylä, Finland) between rallies ».