Timo Salonen WRC driver victories
Helsinki, 1951
The WRC driver Timo Salonen was born in Helsinki (Finland) in 1951 (73 years old).
Timo Salonen Championships
1985 
Peugeot 205 T16 Timo Salonen has won 1 champinships of the World Rally Championship.
Timo Salonen WRC rally victories
| 1977 |
Critérium du Québec
(Gravel)
Wed 14th - Sun 18th Sep
|
| 1980 |
Rally New Zealand
(Gravel)
Sat 13th - Wed 17th Sep
|
| 1981 |
Rallye Côte d'Ivoire
(Gravel)
Mon 26th - Sat 31st Oct
|
| 1985 |
Rallye de Portugal
(Tarmac/gravel)
Wed 6th - Sat 9th Mar
|
Acropolis Rally of Greece
(Gravel)
Mon 27th - Thu 30th May
|
|
Rally New Zealand
(Gravel)
Sat 29th Jun - Tue 2nd Jul
|
Rally Argentina
(Gravel)
Tue 30th Jul - Sat 3rd Aug
|
|
Rally Finland
(Gravel)
Fri 23rd - Sun 25th Aug
|
| 1986 |
|
Rally Finland
(Gravel)
Fri 5th - Sun 7th Sep
|
Wales Rally
(Gravel)
Sun 16th - Wed 19th Nov
|
| 1987 |
Rally Sweden
(Snow)
Fri 13th - Sat 14th Feb
|
How many rallies has Timo Salonen won and on what surface?
Timo Salonen has won 11 rallies of the World Rally Championship:
- 9 on gravel.
- 1 on tarmac/gravel.
- 1 on snow.
What is the rally that Timo Salonen has won the most times?
| 2 | Rally New Zealand (Gravel) |
| 2 | Rally Finland (Gravel) |
| 1 | Critérium du Québec (Gravel) |
| 1 | Rallye Côte d'Ivoire (Gravel) |
| 1 | Acropolis Rally of Greece (Gravel) |
| 1 | Rally Argentina (Gravel) |
| 1 | Rallye de Portugal (Tarmac/gravel) |
| 1 | Wales Rally (Gravel) |
| 1 | Rally Sweden (Snow) |
Timo Salonen biography in rallies
Timo Salonen is a celebrated figure in the World Rally Championship (WRC), known for his impressive victories, association with top teams, iconic cars, and distinctive driving style. Born in Finland, Salonen's rallying career took off in the late 1970s and reached its peak during the mid-1980s, a period marked by intense competition and rapid technological advancements in rallying.
Salonen's most notable success came with the Peugeot Talbot Sport team. Driving the revolutionary Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, he showcased his exceptional talent and adaptability. The 205 Turbo 16, with its mid-engine layout and four-wheel-drive system, was a game-changer in the WRC, and Salonen's skill behind the wheel maximized its potential.
In 1985, Salonen secured the WRC Drivers' Championship, a crowning achievement in his career. His consistency and speed throughout the season were unmatched, as he dominated various rallies across different terrains. Salonen's victories that year included wins at the Swedish Rally, Rallye de Portugal, Acropolis Rally, Rallye Sanremo, and the Rally of the 1000 Lakes. These triumphs underscored his versatility and ability to conquer diverse rally conditions, from icy Scandinavian roads to the rough gravel stages of Greece.
Prior to his time with Peugeot, Salonen also drove for Datsun and Nissan, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His tenure with these teams saw him compete in a range of rallies, driving cars like the Datsun 160J and the Nissan 240RS. These experiences contributed to his development as a driver, preparing him for the challenges of competing at the highest level with Peugeot.
Salonen's driving style was characterized by a calm and composed approach, earning him the nickname "Löysä" (the relaxed one) among his peers. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who were known for their aggressive and flamboyant driving, Salonen's smooth and controlled technique allowed him to navigate treacherous rally stages with remarkable efficiency. His ability to maintain high speeds while minimizing mistakes was a key factor in his success.
The Finnish driver's career also included notable performances with the Mazda Rally Team Europe, where he drove the Mazda 323 4WD. Although these later years did not bring the same level of success as his time with Peugeot, Salonen continued to demonstrate his skill and commitment to the sport.
Timo Salonen remains an iconic figure in the history of the WRC, celebrated for his championship-winning season, his association with groundbreaking rally cars, and his distinctive, relaxed driving style. His legacy is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring impact on the world of rallying.
Contemporary competitors of Timo Salonen
Timo Salonen coincided in WRC rallies with drivers like Jean Ragnotti, Henri Toivonen, Juha Kankkunen, Ari Vatanen, Walter Rohrl and other grat rally drivers.
