Full Drift Masters season a start of a new story for Teemu Asunmaa

Multiple Finnish Rally Champion and WRC3 winner Teemu Asunmaa begins a new chapter in his career by competing full season in the Drift Masters championship. Starting this weekend in Italy, Asunmaa is ready for the upcoming chapter with his new BMW M2.

Six-time Finnish rally champion Teemu Asunmaa begins a new chapter in his career by switching from rally to full-time Drift Masters season, beginning in Italy this weekend. Building upon his part-time season of 2025, which saw the Finn make his drifting debut, the Finn now aims for a good show for the spectators with his new, 860 bhp and 950 nm BMW M2.

-The trend has been upwards in every way. A year ago, when we were supposed to be here spectating before the cancellation due to the death of the Pope, we couldn’t even imagine that we’d be on the start line next year. It’s amazing to have this opportunity, especially given the time frame. This is the beginning of a new career for me as well as a new chapter in the story. Not everyone has this happen to them, so we’ll enjoy the whole season as much as we can, Asunmaa said.

In preparation for the DMEC season, Asunmaa has been making upgrades to the transport truck, training with a simulator, and of course, upgraded the car. Rally has not been forgotten either.

-During winter we had a few rally-related events for customers, and we now have new transport and service truck for drifting as well as, of course, a new drift car. The engine is all-new and much more powerful than last year, as it should be. The transmission is also new, and the looks and livery have changed a lot too. On the suspension-side we have made some small changes, and more changes are on the way after the first few events, Asunmaa.

The Finn is getting ready for the season alongside his team. The highly-motivated group of Finns are excited about the busy, road-trip like season.

-Six of us will be going to Italy, and the overall strength of the team is from six to seven people per event. Team itself has remained remarkably similar from rally events. This is new to them as well, and there will be a lot more travel days than previously, but they are as excited for the season as I am.

The season begins from the Vallelunga circuit in Italy. The 3^rd sector of the circuit creates a layout that includes both a slower hairpin and fast S-bend.

-I’ve driven the layout on a simulator. Since it’s a circuit, there won’t be concrete barriers lining the track. At least on the simulator, it’s semi fast overall with good entry speed and interesting layout. I’m interested to experience the Vallelunga layout with the new car this weekend.

Drift Master season 2026 begins in Italy on 1^st to 2^nd of May. Event will be streamed live on Red Bull TV.

Drift Masters Italy – Event Schedule:

Friday 1^st of May

8:00 Gates open

8:55 – 15:45 Practice by group

16:30 – 19:45 Qualification

Saturday 2^nd of May

9:00 Gates open

11:00 – 13:00 Top 32 practice by group

14:00 – 16:00 Top 32 Battles

17:00 – 17:30 Top 16 Drivers Presentation

17:30 – 18:30 Top 16 Battles