Timo Salonen, born in 1951 in Helsinki, Finland, was one of the most unique personalities in rallying. Often seen with a cigarette in hand and a calm expression, Salonen broke stereotypes with his soft-spoken nature and portly frame—but on the stages, he was anything but slow. His natural talent, exceptional car control, and unshakable composure made him one of the deadliest competitors during rallying’s most dangerous period: Group B.
Salonen’s 1985 title cemented his place among rallying’s greats and proved that calm confidence could conquer chaos.
Timo’s adaptability made him successful in a range of machines, from Japanese endurance cars to European turbocharged beasts.
Salonen’s driving was deceptively fast—smooth, relaxed, and incredibly efficient. While others pushed their cars to the limit with aggressive gestures, Salonen maintained astonishing pace with minimal drama. He rarely made mistakes and thrived under pressure, particularly when the roads were rough and unpredictable. His 1985 campaign remains one of the most dominant in WRC history, and he is remembered as one of the most unflappable champions the sport has ever seen.
Salonen's long-time co-driver Seppo Harjanne played a pivotal role in his success. The duo shared an easygoing but focused relationship, reflecting Salonen’s own personality. Their collaboration was seamless, with Harjanne’s sharp pace notes complementing Salonen’s laid-back brilliance behind the wheel. Together, they became a benchmark for Group B rally teams navigating high-speed chaos with calm execution.
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