Wales Rally GB: Flying Finn to be honoured 30 years after famous victory

Wales Rally GB has revealed that motor sport superstar Ari Vatanen will be the official ‘Rally Legend’ at next month’s concluding round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

The ‘Rally Legend’ is a new annual honour being introduced in 2014 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of a past hero.

The widely-admired Vatanen won the UK’s round of the WRC exactly 30 years ago in 1984 when competing in one of the revered Group B Peugeot 205 T16s, and he will be in attendance throughout this year’s rally to show his support for what he considers to be a second home event.

“It goes without saying that it is a great honour to be the first person selected as Wales Rally GB’s ‘Rally Legend’,” admitted the 62-year-old Scandinavian idol, whose fearless swashbuckling style won over millions of followers right around the globe. “It proves the links I have with this event and this country are reciprocal. I have always had a very good relationship with the British people and the British fans. They made me feel at home and I hope I put on a good show for them. I have always been well received here and I am really looking forward to coming again in November.”

Wales Rally GB managing director Ben Taylor said he was thrilled that Ari has agreed to be celebrated in this special way:

“Wales Rally GB is known as the ‘Rally of Legends’ and I can’t think of a better example of legendary status than Ari to be the first past champion to enter what is going to become our very own ‘hall of fame’,” he enthused. “What’s more the timing is perfect as it’s exactly 30 years since that terrific WRC victory here in the UK. I am sure that new and old fans will be delighted to catch up with him during what’s going to be a fabulous event.”

Vatanen has been hugely popular with UK rally fans ever since he won the British Rally Championship in 1976 and 1980, wowing thousands of spectators in a splendidly sideways Ford Escort RS1800.

The second of those British titles came with co-driver David Richards, the man who later became chairman of both Aston Martin and Prodrive, the renowned motor sport organisation. Vatanen and Richards also combined in a Ford to win the coveted FIA World Rally Championship title in 1981.

Having joined forces with new co-driver Terry Harryman, Vatanen signed to compete for the ambitious new Peugeot factory team in 1984 winning five straight WRC rounds behind the wheel of the immensely powerful, mid-engined 205 T16, including a memorable victory in the fearsome British forests.

There will be plenty of opportunities for fans to share memories with Ari on Wales Rally GB.

As the event’s official ‘Rally Legend’, he will be fulfilling a number of different roles.

He will be present at both the Ceremonial Start at Eirias Stadium and Ceremonial Finish in Llandudno.

In between, Vatanen will be meeting hospitality guests and fans at the Sweet Lamb stage on Friday and both Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park RallyFests over the weekend.

Fans will also be able to meet him at a special display being created within the Service Park in Deeside.

And dont forget Wales Rally GB is offering FREE admittance to the official Service Park at Deeside Industrial park.