A legend has died. On the night of Friday to Saturday, Vesa Mikkola, one of the pilot’s two sons, posted a message on Twitter to announce the death of the “Flying Finn”, great champion of Rallye. “We lost my father Hannu to cancer this weekend. Most knew him as a rally greats, which ushered in the sport’s golden years. For me, he was a dad. Always supportive, loving and genuine. “
We lost my father Hannu to cancer this weekend. Most knew him as a rallying great who ushered in the golden years of the sport. To me he was dad – and an incredible one at that. Always supportive, loving and genuine. Also a loving grandfather to my two boys. Rest In Peace Dad pic.twitter.com/xL3L21E5Qz
– Vesa Mikkola (@ wazu33) February 27, 2021
Mikkola won the World Rally Championship title in 1983, but it’s home in the 1000 Lakes Rally – now Rally Finland – that he wrote the best pages of his legend by winning the event seven times, including four times in the World Championship.
10th most successful driver in history
Mikkola has won a total of 18 rallies on the World Championship program (including four editions of Rally Great Britain, the prestigious RAC Rally), making him the 10th most successful driver in history.
He started his career at Volvo, before winning his first rally in Finland with Ford. He then secured his only world championship title behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro in 1983, at the age of 41. He came close to winning his first world title, finishing second behind Sweden’s Bjorn Waldegard in 1979, then behind Germany’s Walter Rohrl the following year. Mikkola then joined Mazda before leaving motorsport in 1993 participating.
Many pilots such as world rally champions Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Ogier and Petter Solberg paid tribute to him.
“Hannu Mikkola won the WRC the year I was born and although I never had the honor of meeting him, I am saddened by his passing”, Ogier tweeted.
Sad day for our sport as one of our legends left us today. Hannu Mikkola won the WRC same year I was born and although I never had the honor to meet him I am saddened by his passing as he will be remembered as one of the greats. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/KOxeC4qyjf
– Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) February 27, 2021
“He was a legend, a true gentleman, a true champion and a good father. Rest in peace “, Solberg said on the same social network.
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