A Finnish rally driver who won the World Rally Championship in 1983 and is known for his aggressive driving style and numerous victories in the sport.
Hannu Mikkola is a name synonymous with rally driving, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. This Finnish champion won the coveted World Rally Championship title in 1983, cementing his place in the annals of motorsport history.
Mikkola's passion for rallying began in 1963, when he participated in his first rally behind the wheel of a Volvo PV544. Little did he know that this marked the beginning of a 31-year-long career that would take him to the pinnacle of success.
The 1970s saw Mikkola become a force to be reckoned with in international rallying. He partnered with Gunnar Palm to win the East African Safari Rally in 1972, becoming the first overseas driver to achieve this feat. This victory catapulted him to fame, and he went on to win the British Rally Championship in 1978, driving an Escort.
In 1977, Mikkola formed a partnership with Swedish co-driver Arne Hertz, a union that would last for 13 years. This fruitful partnership yielded numerous victories, including the 1980 RAC Rally and the 1981 Swedish Rally.
In 1981, Mikkola joined the Audi factory team, driving the revolutionary four-wheel-drive Audi Quattro. Although the car had reliability issues, Mikkola's exceptional driving skills helped him secure several victories, including the 1982 1000 Lakes and RAC rallies.
The 1983 season was Mikkola's most successful, with four wins and three second places securing him the World Championship title. This achievement earned him a place in the history books as the first Finnish driver to win the championship.
Mikkola's impressive career has been recognized with several awards and honors. He was inducted into the Rally Hall of Fame in 2010 and received the Finnish Sports Car Club's highest honor, the Kaarle Trophy, in 2005.
Hannu Mikkola's contributions to rallying extend beyond his impressive list of victories. He has inspired generations of Finnish rally drivers and played a significant role in shaping the sport as we know it today.
Hannu Mikkola's remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication, skill, and perseverance. He will forever be remembered as a Finnish rally legend, and his achievements continue to inspire and captivate rallying enthusiasts around the world.
74 Years Old
Finnish rally driver and politician who won the World Rally Championship in 1981 and later served as a Member of the European Parliament. Known for his fearless driving style and charismatic personality.
75 Years Old
A Finnish rally driver who won 19 World Rally Championship events and finished runner-up in the drivers' championship three times. He's known for his skills on the road and his iconic blue and white Ford Escort.
74 Years Old
A Finnish rally driver who won the 1985 World Rally Championship and was known for his exceptional speed and aggressive driving style.
79 Years Old
A two-time World Rally Championship winner, known for his exceptional driving skills and ability to push cars to their limits.
80 Years Old
A Swedish rally driver who won the World Rally Championship in 1984 and is known for his skills in navigating treacherous roads at high speeds.
80 Years Old
Rally racing legend and 1984 World Rally Champion, known for his fearless driving style and iconic Saab 96 and Lancia Stratos victories.
69 Years Old
A Finnish rally driver who won numerous championships, including the 1986 World Rally Championship, and is remembered for his exceptional driving skills and tragic death at a young age.
67 Years Old
A Finnish rally driver who won 23 World Rally Championship events and four drivers' titles, earning him the nickname "The Flying Finn".
