Simo Lampinen

Lampinen’s early wins helped elevate Finnish rallying to international prominence. His career longevity and diverse skill set made him one of the few drivers to remain competitive across different cars and eras.

• Saab 96: His signature early-career car, in which he scored multiple international wins and helped cement Saab’s rally reputation.
• Lancia Fulvia HF: Drove the Italian marque in several key WRC and endurance events with strong results.
• Peugeot 504: Used in long-distance rallies like the Safari and Morocco, showcasing his adaptability and endurance skills.

Lampinen was particularly skilled at driving front-wheel-drive cars to their limits, a talent that made him a natural fit for Saab’s early rally program. His later success with Lancia and Peugeot highlighted his engineering intuition and consistency under pressure.

Lampinen’s style was intelligent, aggressive when needed, and deeply technical. He had an uncanny feel for surface transitions and traction, especially in loose conditions. He served as a bridge between the endurance-style rallies of the ‘60s and the more modern WRC era, mentoring younger drivers and supporting development within teams. His determination in the face of physical adversity made his career all the more inspiring.

Lampinen partnered with several trusted co-drivers throughout his career, including John Davenport and Gunnar Palm. He was known for his calm communication style and meticulous preparation. Whether tackling the narrow stages of Finland or the dusty routes of Africa, Lampinen maintained a cooperative, team-focused mentality that earned him admiration throughout the rally community.