Rally fans in Finland are in for a treat this winter, as four-time world rally champion Tommi Mäkinen gears up for a special appearance at the opening round of the Finnish Rally Championship. On 17 January, the 61-year-old legend will take on the role of zero car driver at the Mikkeli round—an already rare honour made even more extraordinary by the machinery he’ll be piloting: a Toyota Yaris WRC.
A CHAMPION BACK IN HIS ELEMENT
The zero car traditionally runs ahead of the competitors to ensure the stages are ready and safe. While the task itself is standard, seeing a driver of Mäkinen’s calibre behind the wheel of a full-spec World Rally Car is anything but.
This particular Yaris WRC comes with roots close to Mäkinen’s heart. Built in Puuppola, it is a reminder of the era when Toyota’s WRC programme was developed under his watch. As team principal, Mäkinen helped shape Toyota’s fierce rally machines throughout the previous decade.
“These last WRC cars are so fantastic that of course I’m interested in driving them – these ones in particular,” he shared enthusiastically.
A SPECIAL CAR WITH A SPECIAL STORY
Mäkinen still has two Yaris WRCs in his personal garage:
- Ott Tänak’s 2019 championship-winning car, and
- the Puuppola-built test car he’ll bring to Mikkeli.
Last winter, Mäkinen unleashed his WRC cars on an ice track, an experience that reignited his competitive spark—and planted the seed for a winter rally comeback.
“Then the idea of the Mikkeli rally came up. Especially if the winter conditions are good, there are fantastic roads in Mikkeli. It’s a nice little boost,” he explained.
HOPING FOR A TRUE FINNISH WINTER
As the rally approaches, Mäkinen has one wish: real winter conditions.
“Snow, proper banks and a crisp, sunny winter’s day – then it would be truly enjoyable to drive in Mikkeli. Winter seems to be arriving a bit late, but hopefully it comes.”
Fans will now eagerly watch the forecasts—and count down the days—until the iconic Finn brings a World Rally Car roaring back to the stages once more.
