VATANEN LINED UP FOR LONG-DISTANCE RALLYING OUTINGS IN THE FUTURE
World champion has opportunities after taking on new presidential role
Rallying legend Ari Vatanen could take part in some long-distance rallies after taking on the role as club president for the Rally the Globe organisation.
The 1981 World Rally champion will renew an old partnership with Rally the Globe founding force Fred Gallagher and says he is eager to experience the spirit and comradeship of global rallying adventures.
Now 69, Vatanen will be Rally the Globe’s first club president as the organisation, and the whole of rallying, starts to emerge from the impact of the pandemic.
RTG hopes to resume its international programme of events later this year.
Vatanen said: “I’m honoured and touched. These historic rally events have real appeal; they are full of spirit, comradeship and enjoyment and that’s my kind of lifestyle. I love going back in time and looking at all these cars from the past and I’m really looking forward to being part of this very special atmosphere when I attend future events.”
The Finn, who remains incredibly popular across the sport, will reunite with his former co-driver Gallagher. Together they won the FIAWorld Cup for Cross-Country Rallies with Citroen Sport in 1997 and also scored a famous podium finish on the 1998 Safari Rally in a factory Ford Escort WRC.
“I know now, as then, I will be in very good hands,” said Vatanen. “Fred had a very calming and reassuring effect on my driving and it’s the trust and friendship that we have built up over the years which has energised me to accept this wonderful position.”