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 ».

Although he will no longer be on a car in 2021, Jarmo Lehtinen will still be present on rallies. Former sports director of Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Finn will return to service with the Japanese manufacturer.

« 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 ».