Finnish rallying world champion Hannu Mikkola – dubbed “The Flying Finn” – passed away at age 78 after a battle with cancer.
Mikkola began his rallying career in 1963 with Volvo but switched to Ford and then to the iconic Audi Quattro A1 in 1981 [and subsequent A2 later] before going on to win the world title in 1983, becoming the oldest driver – at age 41 – to win the rally world championship, a distinction that remains intact.
It was the only rallying world championship Mikkola would win but he was runner-up in the championship three more times and finished his rallying career with 18 total victories and 44 podiums.
Mikkola also claimed his home 1,000 Lakes event on a record seven occasions.