Overview
Ari Vatanen combined spectacular speed with a major comeback during a career that moved from Ford to Peugeot.
His rally-raid and Pikes Peak results are separate from the WRC, but they are essential to the comeback story of his 1980s career.
History
Driver
1980s
Ari Vatanen
🏆 Major Achievements
Won the 1981 WRC drivers' title with co-driver David Richards in a Ford Escort RS1800.
Won five WRC rounds with the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 across 1984 and early 1985.
Survived a severe crash on the 1985 Rally Argentina and returned to win the 1987 Paris-Dakar Rally and 1988 Pikes Peak hill climb.
Vehicle Highlights
- Ford Escort RS1800: His title-winning machine, delivering power and agility across rugged terrain.
- Peugeot 205 Turbo 16: A Group B monster he piloted to numerous stage wins and iconic footage.
- Porsche 959 and Citroën ZX Rallye Raid: Used in his victorious Dakar campaigns, showing his adaptability to extreme endurance rallies.
Whether in WRC or Dakar, Vatanen brought flair and fearlessness to every machine he drove.
Driving Style & Legacy
Vatanen’s style was pure commitment, fast, raw, and uninhibited. He was a master of car control, often appearing on the brink of losing grip while maintaining perfect pace. His bravery in the face of danger, particularly in the Group B era, made him legendary. Vatanen’s iconic Climb Dance video, tearing up Pikes Peak, remains one of the most famous rally clips of all time. He later became a member of the European Parliament, continuing his advocacy and public presence off the track.
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