Hannu Mikkola

Hannu Olavi Mikkola

["Rally Driver", "World Rally Champion", "Flying Finn"]

Born May 24, 1942

Joensuu, Finland

Passed Away Feb 25, 2021 Helsinki, Finland

Lifespan 78 years old

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Notice / Correction

"In the forest at two hundred kilometers an hour, the car must become an extension of your own nervous system."

Archival Overview

Legendary 'Flying Finn' who won the 1983 World Rally Championship, pioneered the development of the revolutionary four-wheel-drive Audi Quattro, and won the 1,000 Lakes Rally seven times.

Biographical Record

Hannu Mikkola (1942–2021) established himself as one of rallying's most formidable drivers behind the wheel of Ford Escort RS1800s, winning the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally and grueling Safari Rallies in Kenya. In 1980, he joined Audi to develop the groundbreaking four-wheel-drive turbo Quattro.

Mikkola demonstrated the Quattro's revolutionary traction on snow and gravel, winning four rallies in 1983 to claim the World Rally Championship crown at age forty-one. With eighteen WRC victories, his precision and mechanical intellect redefined modern rally engineering.

Key Life Milestones

1970

Victory in the London to Mexico World Cup Rally

Navigated 16,000 miles across Europe and South America over thirty-nine days to claim victory.

1983

World Rally Championship Title

Captured the 1983 Drivers' World Championship driving the revolutionary Group B Audi Quattro.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Hietaniemi Cemetery
Helsinki, Finland

                         GPS: 60.1697, 24.9122                    

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