Rauno Aaltonen

Though his peak came in the ‘60s, Aaltonen was still active and competitive through the 1970s, especially in long-distance and high-durability events where his planning and finesse were invaluable.

• Mini Cooper S: Delivered his most famous win in Monte Carlo, showcasing the underdog’s strengths on tight, icy tarmac.
• Datsun 160J (Violet): His main car in the 1970s, especially for endurance events like the Safari Rally.
• BMC Austin and BMW 2002 Ti: Also piloted a wide variety of cars during his versatile and enduring career.

Aaltonen was known for helping refine handling and braking systems during testing, and his development feedback was highly respected by engineers. His work with Datsun in the 1970s helped push Japanese reliability into the spotlight.

Aaltonen’s driving was a masterclass in balance and logic. He championed techniques like left-foot braking and early pacenote systems, well before they became mainstream. His deep understanding of weight transfer, tire control, and terrain reading earned him immense respect. He’s remembered not just for his wins, but for elevating the intellectual side of rally driving and mentoring younger drivers from Finland and abroad.

Aaltonen worked with several professional co-drivers throughout his career, including Tony Ambrose and Henry Liddon. His scientific approach to rallying placed heavy emphasis on accuracy in pace notes, terrain mapping, and preparation. Even late in his driving career, Aaltonen was known for detailed collaboration with mechanics and co-drivers, often spending nights reviewing data and tweaking setups for maximum precision.