Henri Toivonen, born in 1956 in Jyväskylä, Finland, was one of the most talented and electrifying rally drivers of the 1980s. The son of rally veteran Pauli Toivonen, Henri exploded onto the international scene as a teenager and quickly became a rising star. Known for his fearless speed and sharp instincts, he embodied the wild essence of the Group B era. His tragic death at the 1986 Tour de Corse marked a turning point in rally history, leading to the end of Group B.
Toivonen was considered a future world champion before his fatal crash in Corsica, which prompted sweeping safety reforms.
The Delta S4’s raw power matched Toivonen’s aggressive style, creating one of the most iconic pairings in rally history.
Toivonen was known for his all-or-nothing approach—blisteringly fast, often breathtaking to watch. He pushed the limits of his machines with a combination of natural talent and youthful confidence. His tragic crash at the 1986 Tour de Corse sent shockwaves through the rally community and directly influenced the FIA’s decision to ban Group B. Toivonen’s legacy is that of unfulfilled greatness, and he remains a symbol of both what rallying achieved—and what it lost—in its most dangerous era.
Toivonen developed strong partnerships with co-drivers like Fred Gallagher and Sergio Cresto. With Cresto, he formed a formidable team at Lancia, capable of stage dominance across Europe. Their synchronicity in the cockpit was critical to handling the unpredictable power of the Delta S4. The pair tragically lost their lives together in 1986, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the sport’s priorities on safety and design.
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