Juha Kankkunen

Kankkunen's longevity and composure under pressure made him a dependable benchmark in one of the sport’s most competitive decades.

• Lancia Delta Integrale: Delivered his third WRC title with this legendary AWD machine during the Group A era.
• Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (ST185): Helped Toyota secure both the 1993 drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles with this powerful, durable platform.
• Ford Escort WRC: Competed in the late 1990s with this updated platform, continuing to challenge younger rivals.

Kankkunen’s mechanical sympathy and adaptability across three major teams made him a prized asset throughout the 1990s.

Juha Kankkunen drove with composure, efficiency, and a complete lack of drama. His style was built for survival and success in grueling rallies like the Safari and Acropolis, where attrition often decided outcomes. During the 1990s, his consistency and quiet dominance set him apart as a veteran leader in an era filled with rising stars. He retired as the first four-time world champion in WRC history, with three of those titles coming from three different manufacturers.

Kankkunen worked closely with co-driver Juha Piironen during the early 1990s, winning multiple titles together with smooth pacenote delivery and efficient teamwork. Later in the decade, he partnered with Nicky Grist and other top-tier co-drivers, maintaining a steady, no-nonsense approach in the cockpit. His calm rapport with co-drivers allowed for reliable communication even in the most punishing conditions.