Juha Kankkunen Finnish racing driver Date of Birth: 02.04.1959 Country: Finland

1. Juha Kankkunen: Legendary Finnish Rally Champion
2. Early Career
3. World Championship Triumphs (1986-1987, 1991, 1993)
4. Dakar Rally Conquest and Other Accomplishments
5. Second Stint with Toyota (1993)
6. Career Decline and Retirement
7. Ice Speed World Records

Juha Kankkunen: Legendary Finnish Rally Champion

Juha Kankkunen, born on August 26, 1959, is a renowned Finnish rally driver who holds the prestigious title of four-time World Rally Champion. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, he is widely regarded as one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.

Early Career

Kankkunen's passion for rallying ignited in his hometown of Jyväskylä, known as the rally capital of Finland. In 1982, he made his debut in the WRC class at the 1000 Lakes Rally, finishing an impressive 14th overall and second in his category. From 1983 to 1985, he competed in a Toyota Celica, securing his maiden WRC victory at the 1985 Safari Rally.

World Championship Triumphs (1986-1987, 1991, 1993)

In 1986, Kankkunen joined the dominant Peugeot team, driving the Peugeot 205 Turbo16. He claimed three victories that year, earning him his first World Rally Championship title. The following year, he repeated his success with Lancia, becoming the first driver to win the championship in different cars. After a brief return to Toyota, he triumphed again in 1991 with Lancia, becoming the first triple world champion in WRC history.

Dakar Rally Conquest and Other Accomplishments

Beyond his rally achievements, Kankkunen also conquered the challenging Paris-Dakar Rally in 1988 and won the Race of Champions in 1988 and 1991.

Second Stint with Toyota (1993)

In 1993, Kankkunen reunited with Toyota and enjoyed another stellar season, claiming five victories and his fourth World Rally Championship title.

Career Decline and Retirement

Following a difficult 1994 season, Kankkunen and Toyota were disqualified from the championship in 1995 due to technical infringements. He raced for TTE as a privateer in 1996 before joining Ford in 1997 for two successful years. From 1999 to 2000, he drove for Subaru, achieving two victories and six podium finishes. His final WRC seasons were spent with Hyundai.

Ice Speed World Records

In 2007 and 2011, Kankkunen set two ice speed world records. He reached 321.65 km/h in a Bentley Continental GT in 2007 and broke his own record in 2011, driving a Bentley Continental Supersports to a speed of 330.7 km/h in freezing temperatures.