Juha Kankkunen

Juha Kankkunen, born on April 2, 1959, is a celebrated Finnish former rally driver whose illustrious career in the World Rally Championship spanned from 1983 to 2002. With a remarkable tally of twenty-three world rally victories and four drivers' world championship titles, Kankkunen once held the record for both achievements in the series. His unique accomplishment of becoming a world champion with three different manufacturers stood unmatched until it was equaled by Sébastien Ogier in 2020.

Beginning his journey with Toyota Team Europe in 1983, Kankkunen clinched his first WRC win in his third year. His exceptional performances earned him a contract with Peugeot, where he became the youngest-ever champion of the series in 1986. Following Peugeot's withdrawal from the championship due to the ban on Group B, he transitioned to Lancia, making history as the first driver to successfully defend his title. After a brief return to Toyota, he rejoined Lancia and achieved a record third title in 1991.

In 1993, Kankkunen made a comeback with Toyota, securing his fourth championship title. However, after Toyota faced disqualification and a twelve-month ban in 1995, he took a hiatus from the series until joining Ford midway through the 1997 season. His move to Subaru in 1999 marked a significant comeback, as he celebrated his first win in over five years. Kankkunen concluded his active rallying career after the 2002 season, having also competed part-time for Hyundai.

Beyond the WRC, Kankkunen's accolades include winning the Dakar Rally in 1988 and the Race of Champions in both 1988 and 1991. After retiring from competitive rallying, he ventured into business and politics. In 2007, he set a world speed record on ice in a Bentley Continental GT, followed by another record of three hundred thirty point six ninety-five kilometers per hour in a convertible Bentley Continental Supersports in 2011.