Finland is renowned for its high-performance motorsport culture, and it is home to some of the world’s best auto racing players.
From the legendary Formula One drivers such as Kimi Räikkönen and Mika Häkkinen to the rally stars like Juha Kankkunen and Markku Alen, Finland has produced some of the most successful and talented drivers in the history of motorsport.
We will take a look at the best auto racing players in Finland and their achievements.
1. Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi-Matias Räikkönen is a Finnish racing driver who has been a major force in Formula One, the world’s highest level of single-seater auto racing, for over twenty years.
Nicknamed “The Iceman” for his cool and collected demeanor, Räikkönen entered the Formula One world in 2001, signing with Swiss team Sauber. After a successful stint with Sauber, he joined the McLaren team in 2002, where he finished runner-up in the 2003 championship.
In 2007, Räikkönen moved to the Ferrari team, where he went on to win the 2008 Formula One championship. He left Ferrari in 2009 to join the Lotus team before returning to Ferrari in 2014. His final Formula One team was Alfa Romeo, for whom he drove from 2019 to 2021.
During his career, Räikkönen scored 18 Grand Prix victories and scored 111 podiums, making him one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time.
2. Mika Häkkinen
Mika Pauli Häkkinen was an iconic racing driver from Finland, and was affectionately nicknamed “The Flying Finn”. He had an impressive racing career, which culminated in him becoming the Formula One World Drivers’ Champion two years in a row – 1998 and 1999.
Häkkinen achieved this impressive feat whilst driving for the famous McLaren team. He was a highly respected driver in the world of motor racing; and his success in Formula One propelled him to international fame.
His accomplishments were an inspiration to many aspiring racing drivers and cemented his place in the history of motorsport.
3. Nico Rosberg
Nico Erik Rosberg is a former professional racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2006 to 2016. He was born with dual nationality, German and Finnish.
During his tenure in Formula One, Rosberg achieved a career-defining feat in 2016 when he won the World Drivers’ Championship with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. This made him the first driver since the late, great Michael Schumacher to win the championship with the team.
Not only was this a historic moment for Rosberg, but also for his team and the sport in general. His victory was seen as a celebration of his hard work and dedication to the sport, and a reminder that no challenge is too great if one is willing to put in the effort.
4. Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Viktor Bottas is a Finnish racing driver who has competed in Formula One since 2013. He has driven for three teams over the course of his career: Williams (2013-2016), Mercedes (2017-2021), and Alfa Romeo (2021-).
During his time in the sport, Bottas has accumulated an impressive record of success, including 10 race wins and 67 podium finishes. Bottas started his Formula One career with Williams in 2013, picking up his first podium finish in the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix.
In his four seasons with the team, he managed to pick up five podium finishes, including two second-place finishes at the 2014 Spanish Grand Prix and 2015 Canadian Grand Prix.In 2017, Bottas moved to Mercedes, where he would spend the next four seasons.
During his time with the team, he was consistently a front-runner and picked up nine wins and 47 podiums.
He was also part of the team that won the 2017 and 2018 Constructors’ Championships. In 2021, Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo, where he has continued to be a consistent competitor.
He scored his tenth career win at the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix and has picked up an additional 20 podiums since joining the team. Overall, Valtteri Viktor Bottas has established himself as one of the most successful drivers in Formula One history.
He has achieved 10 race wins, 67 podiums, and has consistently been a front-runner in the sport. He has also shown an impressive level of consistency, having raced for three teams over the course of his career.
5. Emil Lindholm
Emil Lindholm is a successful Finnish rally driver who has achieved a great deal of success in his field. He is the son of a former World Rally Championship driver, Sebastian Lindholm, and has followed in his father’s footsteps.
He is currently the reigning champion of the FIA WRC2 World Rally Championship, a prestigious title that is given to the best drivers in the sport. In 2021, Emil won the Finnish Rally Championship, further proving his skill and expertise in the sport.
He is a talented and determined driver who has made a name for himself in the world of rally racing.
6. Ari Vatanen
Ari Pieti Uolevi Vatanen is a Finnish rally driver who has achieved success in many areas of the sport. He was the World Rally Championship drivers’ champion in 1981 and went on to win the prestigious Paris Dakar Rally four times.
Vatanen has also won the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies in 1997. In addition to his motorsport achievements, Vatanen has also had a successful political career. He was a Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2009.
During this time, he was an advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development. Vatanen also served as a campaigner for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Vatanen’s success in both motorsport and politics has made him a respected figure in Finland.
He continues to be a vocal supporter of environmental causes and is a popular public figure.
7. Juha Kankkunen
Juha Matti Pellervo Kankkunen is a legendary figure in the world of rally driving. He is a Finnish former rally driver who had a remarkable career in the World Rally Championship from 1983 to 2002.
During this time, Kankkunen was part of a factory team and achieved a number of impressive records. He won a total of 23 world rallies and four drivers’ world championship titles, which were both records at the time.
Kankkunen had an incredible ability to perform in the toughest of conditions and was widely regarded as an expert in his field. His success on the track was recognized not only in Finland but around the world.
He was an inspiration to aspiring rally drivers and his legacy is still remembered today. Kankkunen’s achievements in the World Rally Championship will never be forgotten and will always be an example of the highest level of excellence in the sport.
8. Tommi Mäkinen
Tommi Antero Mäkinen is an esteemed figure in the world of rally racing. He is a Finnish racing executive and former driver who is widely considered to be one of the greatest drivers to ever compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Mäkinen has achieved remarkable success in the WRC, ranking fifth in terms of rally wins and third in terms of championships.
His championship tally of four titles is only surpassed by Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb, with Juha Kankkunen having the same number of titles as Mäkinen. Mäkinen is a four-time FIA World Rally Champion, having won the event in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2001.
He also holds the record for the most WRC rally wins with 25 victories. His success in the WRC earned him the nickname “The Flying Finn”, a moniker that is still used to this day to describe Mäkinen.
His career has been marked by tremendous success, and his influence in the WRC is still felt to this day. Mäkinen retired from racing in 2002, but he has remained involved in the sport as an executive.
He is currently the chairman of the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team, and he is also the chairman of the M-Sport World Rally Team. His involvement in the sport has been a huge benefit to both teams, and his guidance has resulted in tremendous success.
He is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the world of rally racing, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
9. Jari-Matti Latvala
Jari-Matti Latvala is a prominent figure in the world of rally driving. He has been competing in the World Rally Championship since 2003 and has achieved great success. His co-driver throughout his career has been Miikka Anttila.
The two have worked together since the 2003 Rallye Deutschland and have continued to do so until the 2019 Rally Catalunya. Latvala and Anttila have had a successful partnership, with Latvala winning many races and championships, including the 2013 World Rally Championship.
The two have been a great team and have worked well together to achieve their goals. They have also developed a strong bond, which has been key to their success. Latvala and Anttila have been an impressive team, and their partnership has been a major factor in Latvala’s success.
The two have spent many years together in the world of rally driving, and their partnership has been essential to Latvala’s success. Their partnership has been a key to Latvala’s success, and it has been a great example of how a strong partnership can lead to great success.
10. Keke Rosberg
Keijo Erik Rosberg, commonly known as “Keke”, was a Finnish racing driver who achieved a great milestone in the motorsport world. He was the first Finnish driver to compete regularly in Formula One racing, a championship-level racing series.
This was a major accomplishment, considering that the competition in Formula One is typically among the best of the best. Moreover, Keke went on to become the first ever Finnish driver to win the Formula One World Championship, a feat that he achieved in 1982.
This victory was celebrated widely in Finland, as it was a major source of pride for the country. Keke was also widely respected and admired by fellow drivers, both during his racing career and afterward.
His accomplishments have inspired many to pursue their own dreams in the motorsport industry.
11. Timo Mäkinen
Timo Mäkinen was a renowned Finnish race car driver and one of the original “Flying Finns” of motor rallying. His skill and expertise behind the wheel of a race car earned him the nickname “The Flying Finn”.
He is best remembered for his hat-trick of wins in the RAC Rally and the 1000 Lakes Rally.The RAC Rally was an international rally race held in the United Kingdom. The 1000 Lakes Rally was an annual rally race held in Finland.
Both of these races were extremely difficult and challenging, and Mäkinen was able to conquer both of them. His hat-trick of wins in both races set him apart from the rest of the competition, and he is now remembered as one of the greatest rally drivers of all time.
Mäkinen’s skills and expertise on the track were incredible. He was able to read the road conditions and adjust his driving style to best suit them. His ability to navigate the treacherous roads with precision was unparalleled.
He was also able to adapt quickly to any changes in the course, and in doing so, he was able to consistently achieve victory. Mäkinen’s career was a long and successful one.
He won four Finnish Championship titles and was the first driver to win the RAC Rally three times in a row. His record-breaking achievements in the sport will forever be remembered.Ultimately, Timo Mäkinen’s legacy will be remembered by racing fans around the world.
He was a true champion and an inspiration to many. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest rally drivers in history.
12. Heikki Kovalainen
Heikki Johannes Kovalainen is a Finnish racing driver who is currently competing in the Japan Rally Championship for the Rally Team AICELLO.
He has had a successful career in Formula One, having raced in the sport from 2007 to 2013 for the Renault, McLaren, Team Lotus, Caterham, and Lotus F1 teams. Kovalainen achieved a single victory at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, the highlight of his Formula One career.
This victory was especially impressive as he was driving a McLaren car at the time, which was one of the most competitive teams in the sport.
Kovalainen has also had a successful career outside of Formula One, having competed in numerous other championship series throughout his career, including the Japan Rally Championship. He is currently part of the Rally Team AICELLO and has been since 2020.
His experience in Formula One has undoubtedly helped him to become one of the top drivers in the Japan Rally Championship. Kovalainen’s success in racing has earned him respect from his peers and fans alike.
He is seen as a talented and determined driver, who is always pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence. His commitment to the sport has seen him become a respected name in the racing world.
His single win in Formula One and his current success in the Japan Rally Championship are both testament to his skill and determination.
13. Mika Salo
Mika Juhani Salo is a renowned Finnish racing driver who enjoyed a successful racing career in Formula One between 1994 and 2002. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Salo began his career in kart racing before transitioning to Formula Ford in 1986.
Salo won the Finnish Formula Ford championship in 1988 and then moved up to Formula 3 in 1989.He quickly established himself as a competitive driver in the European Formula 3 championship and earned his first podium position in 1991.
Salo then made the jump to Formula One, signing with the Lotus team in 1994. He raced for several different teams during his nine-year Formula One career, including Arrows, Sauber, BAR, Tyrrell, and Toyota.
Throughout his time in Formula One, Salo consistently earned points-scoring finishes and had several impressive performances. In 1996, he finished third in the Monaco Grand Prix and then finished second in the 1999 Australian Grand Prix.
Salo also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000 and 2001, winning the GT class in his second year. At the end of his Formula One career, Salo had competed in over 100 races and earned seven podium finishes.
After his retirement from racing, Salo has been involved in several business ventures, including his own go-kart track in Finland. He is now a popular figure in the Finnish motorsport community and is widely respected for his achievements in Formula One.
14. Leo Kinnunen
Leo Juhani “Leksa” Kinnunen was a Finnish racing driver who made history as the first Formula One driver from Finland. He was a successful driver, winning the Nordic Challenge Cup in 1969, and the Interserie from 1971-1973.
He also helped Porsche to take the World Sportscar Championship for manufacturers in 1970. Kinnunen was a highly-respected driver in the racing world and his legacy lives on, inspiring other Finns in the motorsport industry.
Throughout his career, Kinnunen achieved excellent results in a number of different racing series. In 1969, he won the Nordic Challenge Cup, a championship held in the Nordic countries.
In addition, from 1971 to 1973, he won the Interserie, a European racing series that included events in Finland and Germany. Furthermore, Kinnunen played an important role in helping Porsche take the World Sportscar Championship for manufacturers in 1970.
Kinnunen was a beloved figure in his home country of Finland, and his success in racing was celebrated by many. His legacy lives on and he is remembered for his significant contribution to motorsport in Finland.
Kinnunen’s status as the first Formula One driver from Finland has inspired countless Finns to pursue their dreams in the motorsport industry. Leo Juhani “Leksa” Kinnunen was a trailblazer in the Finnish motorsport industry whose accomplishments are still celebrated to this day.
He achieved great success in the Nordic Challenge Cup, Interserie, and the World Sportscar Championship, and his legacy will always be remembered.
15. JJ Lehto
Jyrki Juhani Järvilehto, or “JJ Lehto” as he is more commonly known, is a Finnish racing driver with an impressive track record. He is best known for his two victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance race that takes place annually in France.
In 1995, Lehto won the race alongside Finnish driver, Masanori Sekiya. Ten years later, in 2005, Lehto won the race once more, this time alongside Italian driver, Marco Werner. Lehto’s racing career, however, is not limited to just endurance racing.
He also has a record as a Formula One driver. He made his Formula One debut in 1989 and drove for various teams throughout his career. He was a driver for the Scuderia Italia team between 1989 and 1991 and drove for Sauber and McLaren between 1993 and 1995.
He retired from Formula One in 1995, after achieving two podium finishes in his career. In addition to his success in Formula One and endurance racing, Lehto has also won several other races throughout his career.
He has won the FIA GT Championship twice, the American Le Mans Series three times, and the FIA World Sportscar Championship once.
With such a successful racing career, it is no surprise that JJ Lehto is considered to be one of the most successful Finnish racing drivers of all time.
16. Mikko Kozarowitzky
Michael Kozarowitzky, also known as Mikko, is a retired racing driver from Helsinki, Finland. He had a deep understanding of many of the lower-level racing formulae before he was able to make it to the top level, Formula One, in 1977.
His affinity for motorsports began at an early age and he worked hard to make it to the pinnacle of the sport. His racing career began with local races in Helsinki and then moved onto bigger events, such as Formula Three and Formula Two.
He was able to hone his skills in these levels and gain valuable experience to make his Formula One dream a reality. In 1977, he joined Ensign Racing and became the first Finnish driver to ever compete in Formula One.
His Formula One debut was a remarkable one, as he achieved a third-place finish at the 1977 Monaco Grand Prix, his very first race. He then went on to compete in a total of 34 Grand Prix races over a five-year period, driving for teams such as Arrows, Theodore, and Ensign.
Unfortunately, his career in Formula One was short-lived due to financial constraints. Despite his short career in Formula One, Mikko’s racing career is still remembered fondly in Finland. He is remembered for his great skill, determination, and willingness to take risks.
He is an inspiration to aspiring racers in Finland and around the world.
17. Hannu Mikkola
Hannu Olavi Mikkola was an accomplished and highly decorated world rally driver from Finland. He had an impressive career and was the seven-time winner of the 1000 Lakes Rally in his home country.
Mikkola was also a four-time winner of the RAC Rally in Great Britain, an event that is considered to be one of the toughest rallies in the world.
His success in this event was impressive given its difficulty and the fact that he was competing with drivers from all over the world. Mikkola’s record in rally driving is impressive and serves as a testament to his skill and ability.
He was able to take the top spot in some of the most difficult rallies in the world, and his success earned him the title of Finnish champion.
His career is an inspiration to aspiring rally drivers and a reminder of the dedication and hard work that goes into becoming a champion.
18. Harri Toivonen
Harri Toivonen is a legendary figure in international motorsport.
He is a former rally and race car driver from Finland and is the younger brother of the late Henri Toivonen and son of Pauli Toivonen. Harri Toivonen began his career in motorsport in the early 1970s, competing in various rallies across Europe.
He rose to prominence with a series of successful results in the World Rally Championship and soon became a household name in the sport. Harri Toivonen had a close relationship with his older brother, Henri Toivonen, who was also a successful rally car driver.
The two had a great deal of success together, winning multiple races and earning a reputation as one of the top driver duos in the sport.
Sadly, Henri Toivonen was killed in a tragic accident in 1986. Harri Toivonen was also the son of Pauli Toivonen, a former rally driver himself.
Pauli was a successful competitor in the early years of the World Rally Championship and is credited with helping to popularize the sport in Finland. Harri Toivonen’s career in motorsport was cut short in the 1990s, as he retired from driving to focus on his family.
However, his legacy has lived on, and he is considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
19. Markku Alén
Markku Allan Alén is a renowned former rally and race car driver from Finland. He was an incredibly successful driver, having competed in the World Rally Championship for Fiat, Lancia, Subaru, and Toyota.
During his career, Alén held the record for the most stage wins in the series, until the record was broken by French driver Sébastien Loeb at the 2011 Rally Catalunya.
Alén was also well-known for his phrase “now maximum attack”, which became popular with his fans. Alén first began racing in the early 1970s, competing in the Group 4 class of the European Rally Championship.
His first major success came in 1975 when he was crowned European Rally Champion.
From then on, Alén continued to have a successful career in the sport, winning the Driver’s Championship in the World Rally Championship in 1978 and winning the Lombard RAC World Rally Championship in 1980. Throughout his career, Alén was known for his aggressive driving style, which he became famous for with his phrase “now maximum attack”.
This phrase became a rallying cry for his fans and was a reminder to Alén’s competitors that he was not one to be taken lightly. Alén’s career in rally and race car driving ended in 1981 after he suffered a leg injury during a crash at the Safari Rally.
However, his legacy still lives on in the sport, and his influence can still be felt today. Alén was and still is a beloved figure in the motorsports community, and his record for the most stage wins in the series will likely remain an impressive feat for years to come.
20. Rauno Aaltonen
Rauno August Aaltonen, otherwise known as “The Rally Professor”, is a former professional rally driver from Finland. He is renowned for his achievements in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the 1970s.
He was born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1933 and began his career in rally racing in the late 1950s. Aaltonen was a dominant force in the WRC during the 1970s, winning the championship three times and finishing in the top three seven times.
He was a master of driving in various conditions and on different surfaces, and his mastery of the sport earned him his moniker of “The Rally Professor”.
He remained competitive until he retired in 1982, and he remains a legend in the rallying world. Aaltonen was also a successful rallycross driver. In 1972, he won the European Rallycross Championship, becoming the first driver to do so.
He was also successful in ice racing and touring car racing, winning the European Touring Car Championship in 1965. In addition to his racing career, Aaltonen was also a successful businessman. He founded the Aaltonen Motorsport Company in 1988, which is still in operation today.
He has also been involved in various charitable organizations and is an honorary member of the Finnish Automobile Sport Federation. Rauno August Aaltonen is a true legend of the rallying world.
He achieved much success during the 1970s and remains an inspiration to rally drivers today. His skill and dedication to the sport are admired by all, and he will always be remembered as “The Rally Professor”.
21. Markus Niemelä
Markus Niemelä is a former Finnish race car driver who achieved great success in his career. He was the champion of the 2008 series and achieved this victory after winning the final round at Road Atlanta.
Despite his success, his career has been volatile due to a number of injuries he has sustained during his time as a race car driver. These injuries have made it difficult for him to stay at the top of his game, and have taken a toll on his physical and mental health.
Despite the difficulties, Niemelä has persevered and is still remembered as one of the greatest drivers of his time. He is a true example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
22. Henri Karjalainen
Henri Mikael Karjalainen is a Finnish racing driver who has achieved success in the GT Finnish Championship. In 2010, Karjalainen competed in the GT Finnish Championship and placed well enough to earn recognition from the Finnish Sport Management Agency, SportElite.
This agency is dedicated to supporting and promoting high-caliber athletes, and Karjalainen is proud to be managed by them. Karjalainen is passionate about racing and is determined to make a name for himself in the field.
He is continuously improving his driving skills and striving for bigger and better successes. He is an inspiration for both professional and amateur racers alike, showing that with the right amount of dedication and hard work, success can be achieved.
23. Timo Salonen
Timo Salonen was an extraordinary rally driver who, despite his unusual physical characteristics, became one of the most successful drivers in the sport. Salonen was a Finnish driver who won the 1985 World Rally Championship season for Peugeot.
Despite being overweight, wearing thick glasses, and smoking heavily, Salonen was fast and incredibly competitive. His peers admired his skills, noting that he was able to stand out from the crowd despite not fitting the traditional mould of a rally driver.
This made him an inspiration to many and a formidable opponent on the track. Salonen’s success proves that physical characteristics do not define a person’s capabilities or potential.
He pushed the boundaries and showed that anyone can succeed if they have the passion and commitment to make their dreams a reality.
24. Harri Rovanperä
Harri “Rovis” Rovanperä is a Finnish rally driver who has been a fixture in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for over a decade. Rovanperä was known for his expertise on loose surfaces, making him a popular choice for many teams throughout his career.
He drove for SEAT, Peugeot, Mitsubishi and Red Bull Škoda Team from 1993 to 2006, when he retired from the WRC. Rovanperä is also the father of current WRC driver Kalle Rovanperä, who won the 2022 World Rally Driver’s Championship.
This is a testament to the influence that Rovanperä had on the sport, with his son following in his footsteps and becoming a successful rally driver in his own right. Rovanperä was a highly respected figure in the WRC, and his knowledge and experience of the sport was invaluable to his teams.
Even after his retirement, he was still a popular figure in the WRC community, and his legacy was cemented with his son’s championship win in 2022.
25. Atte Mustonen
Atte Mustonen is a professional motor racing driver who specializes in single-seater racing. This type of racing involves racing cars with only one seat, and is some of the most challenging and competitive motor sport in the world.
Mustonen has been racing single-seaters for many years and has achieved a great deal of success in the sport. He has won multiple races and championships and is consistently ranked among the top drivers in the world in terms of performance and results.
Mustonen has won the Formula 3 European Championship, the Macau Grand Prix, and the GP2 Asia Series, and he has been a regular competitor in the Formula One World Championship. He is a highly respected driver in the racing world and is admired for his skill and talent.
He is also known for his commitment to safety and for his desire to push the limits of what is possible on the race track. Atte Mustonen is a highly skilled and successful single-seater racing driver who has achieved an incredible level of success in the sport.
He is a true professional and an inspiration to aspiring racers everywhere.
26. Juho Annala
Juho Annala is a Finnish racing driver who was born in Lapua, Finland. He started his racing career in karting and then moved to Swedish, Finnish, and Nordic Formula Ford in 2004.
During this time, he achieved great success, winning the Nordic championship and coming in second place in both the Swedish and Finnish championships. This success highlighted Annala’s skill and talent as a racing driver and showed his ability to compete on a high level.
Annala has since gone on to achieve even more success in the racing world, making him one of the most successful Finnish drivers of all time.
27. Jesse Krohn
Jesse Kurki-Suonio, who is more commonly known as Jesse Krohn, is a Finnish professional racing driver who is supported by BMW Motorsport.
He is widely respected for his achievements in the racing world, having won the Finnish, Northern European Zone and Estonian Formula Renault championships.
This impressive feat speaks to his great skill as a driver, and his success in the racing world is clearly evident. Jesse Krohn is a young driver, having started his career in 2004.
Since then, he has competed in many different racing series, including World Touring Car Cup, Blancpain GT Series and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
He has also had success in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where he has secured a number of podium finishes. Jesse Krohn is a highly talented driver who is not afraid to take risks and push the limits.
His willingness to take chances and try new things has been a key factor in his success.
He is a determined and focused individual who always strives to be the best. Jesse Krohn has become a role model for young drivers, and his success has inspired many to pursue their racing dreams.
His drive and commitment to excellence have made him one of the most admired drivers in the racing world. He is a true champion and a great ambassador for the sport.
28. Matias Laine
Matias Laine is an up and coming racing driver from Finland. He has been competing in various racing competitions since he was a young boy. He has competed in several different types of races, including karting, Formula 3, GT, and endurance racing.
He has achieved success in all of these and is considered to be one of the top racing drivers in Finland. Matias Laine started out racing karts when he was just eight years old.
He went on to compete in Formula 3 and GT racing, eventually making it to the prestigious FIA European Formula 3 Championship. He earned several podiums during his time in Formula 3, and he was the first Finnish driver to finish in the top three in a Formula 3 race.
He then moved on to endurance racing, competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the European Le Mans Series. Matias Laine is currently driving in the FIA World Endurance Championship. He is a member of the G-Drive Racing team, where he competes in the LMP2 class.
He has already achieved several podium finishes in the WEC and is considered to be one of the most promising drivers from Finland. Matias Laine is making a name for himself in the world of racing.
He is proving himself to be a talented and competitive driver and is destined to become one of the top racing drivers from Finland.
29. Valle Mäkelä
Valle Mäkelä is a professional motor racing driver from Finland. Born in 1999, Valle started his career in karting at the age of 11.
By the time he was 14, Valle had already won numerous karting championships. Valle made the jump to car racing in 2015, and it didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself in the world of motor racing.
He competed in a number of different series, including the Formula 4 Nordic Championship, the Formula Renault Eurocup, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia.
In 2017, he won the Formula 4 title, becoming the youngest driver ever to do so. Since then, Valle has gone on to compete in some of the world’s most prestigious racing series.
He has competed in the World Series Formula V8 3.5, the Porsche Supercup, and the European Le Mans Series.
In 2019, Valle drove for the Ferrari Driver Academy and competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Valle has continued to make a name for himself in motor racing, and he is quickly becoming one of the most promising drivers in the sport.
Valle is a great example of a young driver who has worked hard to reach the top and is now being recognized for his talent and skill. He is a symbol of hope for aspiring drivers who are hoping to make it to the top in the world of motor racing.
30. Pauli Toivonen
Pauli Toivonen was a Finnish rally car driver who had a long and successful career. He drove for some of the most renowned car manufacturers in the world such as Citroën, Lancia, and Porsche, competing in many races and achieving great success.
In addition to his successful career, Pauli Toivonen had two sons, Harri and Henri, who both followed in their father’s footsteps by becoming race car drivers themselves.
Both of them have achieved considerable success in the sport, and have continued to honor their father’s legacy by continuing his success in the world of rally car racing.
31. Tero Palmroth
Tero Palmroth is a former racing driver who competed in the CART Championship Car series for four seasons, from 1988 to 1992.
During his time driving in the series, he participated in a total of 12 races, including the Indianapolis 500 for four consecutive years, from 1988 to 1991.
His best finish in the CART series was in 12th position at the 1990 Indianapolis 500, which was also the best result of his career.
Despite not having any championship titles or wins, Tero Palmroth was a skilled and experienced driver who achieved a great result in one of the most prestigious motorsport events.
32. Toni Vilander
Toni Markus Vilander is a highly successful Finnish professional racing driver. He has been competing in various categories of sports car racing for the Risi Competizione Ferrari team since 2005.
Before that, he had a successful single-seater career, which even reached the level of GP2 Series in 2005. After this success, Vilander made the decision to switch to GT racing.
He has earned a great deal of respect and recognition since making this career move and is now regarded as one of the top names in GT racing.
Vilander has been a consistent performer in both single-seater and GT racing, and his impressive list of achievements include wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
He has also been a regular competitor in the Blancpain GT Series and is currently competing in the IMSA GT Daytona class. Vilander’s career is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport of motor racing.
He has managed to make a name for himself by pushing himself to the limits and achieving great success in both single-seater and GT racing. His impressive list of victories and achievements is a testament to his hard work and determination.
33. Jari Nurminen
Jari Nurminen is a professional race car driver from Helsinki, Finland. He is a well-known figure in the Finnish racing scene and is known for his skill and determination on the track.
He has competed in various races in Finland and abroad and has achieved many successes in his career. Jari Nurminen began his racing career as a kart racer in his home country of Finland.
He quickly made a name for himself and soon began competing in Formula Ford and Formula 3 racing series. In 2002, he began competing in the Formula Renault Eurocup and was successful in the series, eventually becoming the champion of the series in 2003.
He then moved on to the World Series by Renault and achieved several podium finishes in the series. In 2008, Jari Nurminen made the move to the FIA GT3 European Championship. He achieved several wins in the series, including a win at the Zolder circuit in 2009.
He also won the Dutch GT4 championship in 2009 and has continued to race and compete in various events since then. Jari Nurminen is a respected figure in the Finnish racing scene and his skill and determination on the track has earned him many fans and admirers.
He has achieved many successes in his career and continues to race and compete in various events around the world.
34. Marcus Grönholm
Marcus Ulf Johan Grönholm is a renowned Finnish rally and rallycross driver. He hails from a Swedish-speaking family that has been living in Finland for generations. Grönholm’s son, Niclas Grönholm, is an upcoming FIA World Rallycross Championship driver.
Grönholm’s nicknames are “Bosse” and “Magic Marcus,” which reflect his impressive driving skills and his ability to drive with ease. He has won several races and championships in his career, including the 2001 and 2002 World Rally Championships.
He is a highly respected driver and is seen as an inspiration to many younger drivers. Grönholm will always be remembered for his outstanding achievements in the sport of rally and rallycross.
35. Jari Huttunen
Jari Huttunen is a professional rally driver from Kiuruvesi, Finland. He is a highly decorated and successful driver, competing in the highly competitive World Rally Championship-2 (WRC-2).
This category is the premier support category for the World Rally Championship (WRC), and is considered to be the second-highest level of competitive rallying in the world. Jari is part of the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, one of the most successful teams in the WRC-2.
The team has achieved many victories in the WRC-2, and is currently focused on continuing its success into the future. Jari is an integral part of the team, and his driving skills and experience has helped the team achieve its successes.
36. Juho Hänninen
Juho Ville Matias Hänninen is a successful Finnish rally driver. He is best known for winning the Intercontinental Rally Challenge championship in 2010 and the Super 2000 World Rally Championship title in 2011.
For these championships, Hänninen was partnered with co-driver Mikko Markkula, and the pair drove for the Red Bull Škoda works team. The Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) is a series of European rally events that takes place across the continent.
Hänninen won the title in 2010, beating out the competition by a wide margin. The Super 2000 World Rally Championship (SWRC) is a world championship series that takes place over the course of a year.
Hänninen and Markkula won the championship in 2011, driving a Fabia S2000 for the Red Bull Škoda works team.
This was the first time a Red Bull Škoda driver had won the championship since its inception. Hänninen’s success has earned him the respect of the rally community and has established him as one of the top drivers in the sport.
His accomplishments have also earned him a place in the history books, as he is the first Finnish driver to win both the IRC and SWRC championships.
37. Kalle Rovanperä
Kalle Rovanperä is a professional rally driver from Finland. He currently competes in the World Rally Championship for Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, a rally team that is sponsored by Toyota. He races alongside his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, with whom he has achieved great success.
In 2020, Kalle was crowned the world champion in the World Rally Championship, solidifying his place as one of the best rally drivers in the world. He has also won various rally events in his career, such as the Rally Finland and the Rally Great Britain.
Kalle is an inspiration to many aspiring rally drivers, and he continues to strive for excellence in the sport.
38. Esapekka Lappi
Esapekka Lappi is an acclaimed Finnish rally driver. He has been actively competing in rally races since 2012, and in that same year he achieved his first major championship, becoming the 2012 Finnish Rally Champion.
This was only the beginning of his successful career, as in the following years he went on to win more awards and titles. In 2014, he was crowned the European Rally Champion, and two years later, in 2016, he won the WRC-2 Championship.
Today, Lappi is an established figure in the world of rallying, and his reputation as an experienced driver is undisputed. He is currently driving for Hyundai Motorsport, a team that takes great pride in having him as part of their roster.
With his vast experience and impressive track record, it is no wonder that Esapekka Lappi is seen as one of the best rally drivers in the world.
39. Teemu Suninen
Teemu Suninen is a professional rally driver from Finland. He began his career in 2017 with Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport WRT team and raced with them in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for four years. During this time, Suninen was managed by Timo Jouhki.
Suninen was successful in the sport, and although he never won a WRC event, he managed to finish in the top 10 several times. His best result was 3rd place in the 2019 Rally Turkey.
Suninen parted ways with the M-Sport WRT team in 2021 and currently competes in the European Rally Championship (ERC). He is considered one of the top drivers in the series and has an excellent chance of winning the title in 2021.
40. Mikael Sundström
Mikael Sundström was a Finnish rally driver who achieved a great level of success in the sport.
With five national championships to his name, he was one of the most decorated drivers in the history of the sport in Finland. Sundström had a long and distinguished career, winning his first championship in 1976.
He then went on to win four further championships, cementing his place among the best rally drivers of all time in Finland.
His success was not limited to Finland, however, as he achieved success in international events too. Despite his success, Sundström was a humble and unassuming driver. He rarely gave interviews or commented on his success, preferring to let his driving do the talking.
He was also known for his respect for the sport and was often seen encouraging up-and-coming drivers to pursue their dreams. Sundström’s legacy still lives on today, with many young drivers citing him as an inspiration.
He was a true champion of the sport, and his five national championships will remain a testament to his skill and dedication.
41. Matti Rantanen
Matti Rantanen is an accomplished rally driver from Lammi, Finland. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented drivers in the sport, having won multiple championships and set numerous records.
Born and raised in Lammi, he developed a passion for rally racing at an early age. After winning several regional championships, he went on to compete in the World Rally Championship, where he was successful in both the two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive categories.
He has won multiple championships and is known for his daring driving style, often pushing the limits of the rally car. He is a great ambassador for the sport and has been instrumental in promoting and growing the sport in Finland.
Matti Rantanen is a true professional and an inspiration to many aspiring rally drivers.
42. Jani Paasonen
Jani Paasonen is a professional rally driver from Finland. He is well known for his accomplishments in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where he competed with Škoda Motorsport. Paasonen’s best result in the WRC was a 6th-place finish at Rally Finland 2004.
He was driving a Škoda Fabia WRC, a car specifically designed for the WRC series by Škoda Motorsport. This impressive achievement was the highlight of Paasonen’s career, and it showcased his skill as a rally driver.
He has been competing in the WRC since 2002, and although he has not achieved the same success as his Rally Finland finish, he has proven to be an excellent driver in the WRC.
Paasonen is currently competing in the Finnish Rally Championship, where he is sure to continue to make a name for himself.
Conclusion
The best auto racing players in Finland are some of the most talented and experienced drivers in the world. Their skill and dedication to the sport has made them some of the most successful and respected drivers in the world.
With the continued support of the Finnish automobile racing community, these drivers will continue to show off their skills and continue to be an inspiration to future generations of drivers.
