Overview
Tommi Mäkinen, born in 1964 in Puuppola, Finland, rose to prominence as the defining WRC driver of the late 1990s. Quiet off the stage but ruthless behind the wheel, Mäkinen claimed four consecutive world championships from 1996 to 1999 with Mitsubishi. His precise yet aggressive driving made him a master of both snow and gravel. Unlike many of his rivals, Mäkinen found his stride mid-decade and rode a wave of consistency, mechanical reliability, and fierce pace to create a rally dynasty that lifted both his and Mitsubishi’s status to legendary levels.