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Tommi Makinen

D.O.B: June 26, 1964

Place: Puupola Finland

Height: 175 cm

Weight: 74 Kg

Maritial Status: Cohabits with Eliisa Jarvainen

Residence: Monte Carlo & Finland

Career debut: Nokia Rally (Finland) 1985

Hobbies: Skiing, Hunting, Enduro bike riding

Tommi Makinen joined team Mitsubishi Ralliart in 1995- winning the championship three out of the last four years entered.

Tommi Makinen started out by competing on farm tractors, winning the Finnish national ploughing title in 1982 & 85. His first rally was the Nokia Rally in 1985. Makinen tackled his first World Rally Championship event only two years later when he entered the 1000 Lakes rally (Now the Rally of Finland). By 1989 Tommi was winning European championship rallies.

Makinen's career lifted a gear when in 1990 he teamed up with experienced co-driver Seppo Harjanne to drive a Group N Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. They finished twice in the top ten overall and won the Group N category three times.

In 1991 Makinen was lured to team Nissan, only to be informed mid-season that Nissan would cease rallying. In 1994 Makinen joined the Ford team for two events- the Mantta Rally & the 1000 lakes- winning them both.

Makinen's heroes are Hannu Mikkola and Juha Kankkunen and has much respect for his tester Lasse Lampe. Makinen likes to relax at home in Finland by racing snowmobiles, skiing and hunting.

Makinen is undoubtedly one of the most successful rally drivers ever- winning the FIA World Rally Championship and unprecedented three consecutive times.

Risto Mannisenmaki

D.O.B: May 28, 1959

Place: Juupajoki Finland

Residence: Espoo Finland

Maritial Status: Living with partner Varpu

Career Debut: Repekka Rally (Finland) 1981

Hobbies: Cross country skiing, Cycling, Jogging

Over 10 years ago, Risto Mannisenmaki agreed to drive with an unknown farmers son who had been rallying a little more than a year. 10 years later, the logical combination between the two Finns is strong.

Mannisenmaki has driven with some of Finland's most able drivers including Sabastian Lindholm and Ari Mokkonen. Mannisenmaki most recently drove with Tapio Laukkanen in his F2 Golf Gti.

Although Mannisenmaki appeared out of nowhere to replace veteran co-driver Seoop Harjanne, this was a gradual process initiated by Andrew Cowan, team manager.

Results:

1998

1997

1996