Ari Vatanen Reflects on his Legendary Rally Career: An Exclusive Interview 

"No car no dad" broke me. What a man rising from such a low. What a man!

Talent and humility in equal measure a true star of our sport. We were lucky to have Ari compete on so many UK rallies back in the 70s and 80s and became one of the British Finns along with Hannu, Henri and Pentti. Legend is an accolade bandied around too often these days but Ari deserves it.

One of the greatest in History

"My body stayed on the side of the road and my soul went into the car" This is how you become a rally fan Well articulated

We had the good fortune to see Ari in action in my home town, Canberra Australia. To me and my friends this fellow was a rallying royalty, and absolute artist in stage rally's. He was the Colin Mcrae of his time. An absolute artist driving one of the finest and best sounding rallycars ever, and a nice bloke as well. Win win for us all.

Thanks for sharing. Ari is a real old school driver, there purely for the passion. His driving skills and bravery are unquestionable, but it's his presence and passion that makes him such a legend for me. What a guy. Every day is indeed a gift.

True story: Once, I got caught speeding on the way to Anglesey, in Wales. I was speeding quite a bit after being frustrated by two people hogging both of the lanes of a two lane motorway (freeway) neither one changing speed. Just side by side. So when they eventually got a clue, I was annoyed, so my right foot took it out on the accelerator the moment one vacated the right hand lane (overtaking lane) Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a police car in a lay-by because they're very brightly coloured. I immediately slowed down, but the copper could tell that I was approaching warp speed. He caught up. Blue lights in the rear view mirror. He was quite annoyed when I pulled over, but at one point, he said "Who do you think you are, Ari Vatanen?" to which I said "No, there's only one Ari Vatanen" and we got to talking about him. I am (only) 41, so Ari was way before my time with me growing up in the 80's and 90's. I think the cop liked that I knew who he was. He eventually asked about my car which was a heavily modified (turbo converted, completely uprated internals) Nissan 350Z. And that was it, we had bonded over a legend and for sure, that conversation stopped me getting a fine and lots of penalty points on my licence, making insurance on a car much more expensive. So I owe that to Ari! He got me out of trouble! Thanks, Ari!

Wise words from Ari, what an amazing racer!

Vatanen is one of the best ever he made me love rallying he was fast and always sideways

Been fortunate enough to see him on several occasions in several different cars. The black Escort was the most spectacular but overtaking Walter Rohl on the Monte in the T16 was pretty special too.. Opel Manta on the Manx with him and Henry impervious.. Absolutely love this man he has given his all to the sport but has done so much more as well. A real legend. Long may he carry on..

A grand master indeed. Great philosophy of how to go through life! Happy birthday Ari, every day!

Legend!!! Thank you Ari... Thank you very much!

That was my exact experience first attending the WRC in 2004. I had no idea I would feel so much excitement.

I mean... Look at my profile picture. This guy is my idol. A bright soul, a legend and the poet and philosopher of rally

I admire that he survived group b.

What a legend! Remember being watching and filming vhs in the 80's near I live in Finland when Ari was practicing on a closed road with his team and I remember that he stopped and ask how we are and we chat a little this and that, so he is that same gentlemen always to me!

Ari, Great respect! What a wonderful human being. I love his grasp of English language he is an inspiration not just for rallying but for life.

true champion!! a very good man always smiling and having an extraordinary rally talent!! Greetings from Poland Ari!!

Watching his all-out attacking style on those Irish tarmac rallies in the early '80s, you knew this fella was something special. Always thrilling to watch, always on the ragged edge, win-or-bust every time. Thanks for the memories, Ari.

This man is somewhat even more special than others true legends

Thanks , I'm inspired. kind regards.

1979..drove from East Anglia to the Welsh Forests to watch RAC for my first time. The woods were lit up and the sound of a BDA barking set the adrenaline going, mind blowing experience, I was hooked, for me the advent of 4x4 killed the attraction somewhat, faster for sure, but it was the "sideways" bit that I liked most.

Nice!

I knew Ari Vantanen was a rally champion, but I never knew he was a poet.

Ari Vatanen Love Forever ❤🏁😘

Absolute legend.

A much respected Legend of the sport

Ari, the poet of rally. We love you.

Remarkably reflective, appreciative, and humble from one of the greats. Nice to see.

What an inspiration Ari is.

LEGEND!!! ONE OF THE BEST RALLY DRIVERS.

Love you Ari

He is SO right about how you get hooked on Rallying, mine was '76 RAC in Kingswood Warren where the late, great RAC at full chat spraying gravel everywhere in his Cossack Escort. Watched AV many times, RS 1800, T16 & so on, great bloke, true ambassador.

Beautiful words

Love you man, grandmaster of human history in rally. Along with Kankunnen. Both of you are the limits what human can achieve on ralliyeee...

Ari Vatanen and Peugeot 205 turbo 16 ❤💝🥇✌️😍🔥😘leggend rally forever

Your a wonderful man Ari, lovely to hear your gratitude and humility after all your adventures and achievements. I remember the short time we work together at Prodrive in the mid 90’s and you held it all so lightly and made so much fun out of the work. Thank you. A

Legend.

🙌🙌🙌Le "boss"!!! 💪💪💪🤟

Ahhhhh yes, that classic Pikes Peak scene. Look No Hands, ARI STYLE🙏🙏 What.A.Character!!

🤴Ari

Best rally driver ever

El mejor de todos ... ARI - VATANEN

Ari Nearly dies. also Ari that was a huge win.

Cool 0:02 😮

My idiot a living legend 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Saftey standards in the 80-s. His seat broke due to the impact and he was thrown around in the car during a rollover. Something that's unheard of today.

Is there a video out there where he talks about his run at Pikes Peak( Climb Dance) in 1988? Would love to hear his thoughts about that run up the Peak.

Ari stopped using Sparco Seats after his accident in Argentina.

You can raise your arm but not your foot, always pedal to metal

Pug sold so manny cars in Europe thanks to this men,he was a superman for kids in 80’s.

2:23 east germany flag

I love Vatanen but why did you choose such a depressing piece of background music? Come on guys next time choose some uplifting tune.

Grazie Ari 👍

A chatty FIn and a legend too