Pentti Airikkala

Airikkala's perseverance and technical discipline made his 1989 victory one of the most celebrated moments of the decade.

• Vauxhall Chevette HSR: His signature car during much of the British rally scene in the early 1980s.
• Opel Manta 400: Delivered strong results in Group B tarmac and gravel events during the mid-1980s.
• Mitsubishi Galant VR-4: Drove this AWD turbocharged Group A car to victory at the 1989 RAC Rally.

Airikkala’s adaptability to rear-wheel drive and AWD platforms helped him compete across multiple rally eras with equal competence.

Airikkala drove with calculated aggression and exceptional car control, especially on gravel. He was less flashy than some of his Finnish peers, but his technical mastery and focus made him highly effective. His legacy also includes the renowned rally driving school he ran in the UK, where he helped train future stars—including a young Colin McRae. Airikkala remains a symbol of persistence, skill, and dedication to the sport.

Throughout the 1980s, Airikkala was paired with several co-drivers, including Ronan Morgan and Peter Bryant. Their steady, no-nonsense pace note delivery matched Pentti’s disciplined driving approach. Whether in British forests or on Welsh tarmac, his co-driver relationships were built on mutual experience, patience, and a shared pursuit of results in any conditions.