Juha Kankkunen is celebrated at Rallylegend 2023

Republic of San Marino.

A celebration like this could only take place here at Rallylegend. Because Juha Kankkunen is a rallying legend and because he is a long-time fan of Rallylegend. With four world titles to his name, he is one of the stars of World Rally, having triumphed in 1986 (with the Peugeot 205 T16), in 1987 (in the Lancia Delta HF), in 1991 (with the Delta Integrale) and, exactly thirty years ago, aboard the Toyota Celica St185 4WD.

To celebrate this last title, Rallylegend will stage the 30° Juha Kankkunen Anniversary – Eberhard&Co Legend Event, an unmissable show featuring six “top” drivers from the 1993 championship aboard Group A vehicles from that time. These big names are none other than Miki Biasion, Francois Delecour, Piero Liatti, Alister McRae and Andrea Aghini. As well as Juha Kankkunen himself, with a Toyota Celica ST 185, and Nicky Grist, his co-driver during the second half of that successful 1993 season.

Miki Biasion also has cause to celebrate at Rallylegend. He will be driving a group A Ford Escort Cosworth with the official 1993 livery, the vehicle with which he celebrated his last win, in the Acropolis rally, exactly thirty years ago. Delecour will be at the wheel of a Ford Escort Cosworth in Martini Racing colours, Andrea Aghini will drive the Lancia Delta Integrale from his 1992 Sanremo win, while Piero Liatti and Alister McRae will have two Subaru Imprezas, one Best and one ex Colin McRae. This group of top drivers will be joined at Rallylegend by Jimmy McRae, father of Colin, who will be at the wheel of the legendary Subaru Impreza with the L555BAT number plate that won the 1995 world title, a vehicle owned by the McRae family.

Fans will be able to enjoy a unique, high-octane show on Thursday evening with the “Sprint Legend Race”, while on Friday evening the “Pirelli Power Stage” at the Misano World Circuit will welcome the platoon of drivers and their stunning cars. The show will continue on Saturday and Sunday around “The Legend”. Anyone in attendance at Rallylegend with a 1993 group A vehicle will be able to take part, for a unique opportunity to share in an exclusive experience.

The final celebration for Kankkunen will take place late in the afternoon of Saturday 15 October at the Rallyvillage Sparco Stand with the “Drivers Party – RedBull Party”, which will be open to the public. The Finnish champion will be guest of honour and joined by all the other champions in attendance.