The first round of the 2008 P-WRC (Production car World Rally Championship) “Swedish Rally” was held in the neighboring areas of Karlstad. The “Swedish Rally” is known for its fierce high-speed snow and ice stages with temperatures falling to minus 30degrees at times. This season, however, showed influences of global warming and conditions were a mix of snow, ice and gravel. This complex mix required extreme concentration and high technique from all drivers. Two vehicles equipped with TEIN’s flagship Type Gr.N damper took part, SUBARU RALLY TEAM RUSSIA #43 E.Vertunov (SUBARU IMPREZA GRB) and SUBARU SWEDISH DEALER TEAM #59 P.Flodin (SUBARU IMPREZA GDB-G). STOHL RACING #76 M.Benes also participated in the Group N class equipped with Type Gr.N.

The “Swedish Rally” started off on February 7^th with the Super SS held at Karlstad and moved north of Karlstad from the 8^th. During the shakedown held on the 7^th, Flodin unfortunately spun twice in SS2, but felt the suspension setup was good and was able to drive constantly afterwards. He was able to keep up the pace and finish in 3^rd place in Day 1. E.Vertunov driving the new model SUBARU IMPREZA GRB, suffered a puncture during SS4, but was able to fight his way back and finish in 10^th place.

TEIN cars were all performing well but during day 2 on the 9^th, accidents caused trouble for both cars. 3^rd placed Flodin crashed off course during SS9 and was unable to get back on track for 13minutes and also lost his front bumper. With the loss of his front bumper, he had snow and gravel constantly hitting the front of his car and ended up damaging his radiator by SS11. He ended up abandoning the rest of the day, only to look forward to the Super-Rally the following day. 10th placed E.Vertunov crashed off during S11 and severely damaged the rear of his car and retired.

During the Super-Rally on the 10^th, Flodin drove ferociously, and posted the top time for SS16 to come within 4.5 seconds of second place. But unfortunately he was unable recover the ground lost on Day 2 and finished the rally in 23^rd place overall.