One of the original 'Flying Finns', Pentti Airikkala was born in Finland in 1945 but he made
England (Bray) his home for many years. His garden at home ran down to the River Thames
where Pentti Airkikkala moored his classic boat and he was a familiar sight in the odd boat
race or two ! Although living here for so many years, Pentti Airikkala was never anything but
a Finn at heart and was immensely proud of his nationality, reminding us often that 'where
there's a Finn there's a shark !'
Pentti Airkikkala's motorsport career and achievements were vast but his most famous wins were in 1989 when he took victory in a Mitsubishi on the RAC Rally and the International
Welsh Rally.
One of the original 'Flying Finns', Pentti Airikkala was born in Finland in 1945 but he made
England (Bray) his home for many years. His garden at home ran down to the River Thames
where Pentti Airkikkala moored his classic boat and he was a familiar sight in the odd boat
race or two ! Although living here for so many years, Pentti Airikkala was never anything but
a Finn at heart and was immensely proud of his nationality, reminding us often that 'where
there's a Finn there's a shark !'
Pentti Airkikkala's motorsport career and achievements were vast but his most famous winswere in 1989 when he took victory in a Mitsubishi on the RAC Rally and the
International Welsh Rally.
2003 saw Pentti Airikkala final return to the world stages in the Fairfield Motorsport Mitsubishi
Evo VI, alongside Nigel Gardner on the Wales Rally GB. The previous year had seen the car
driven on the same event by Pentti Airikkala's protege, the then-17 year old Jari-Matti Latvala.
Jari finished 17th overall and 1st Mitsubishi, although Pentti believed he would have seen the
car inside the top 10!
Pentii Airkikkala died in Bray, Berkshire on the 30th September, 2009 - aged 64 years and having battled illness for some time. Having been mentor and driver coach to Jari-Matti Latvala and Miko Hirvonen in their formative days, Pentti Airikkala leaves a new generation of Flying Finns to represent the most charismatic Finn of them all. Our deepest condolences go to Pentti Airkikkala's children Nico & Nataliine, his grandchildren and family and all the friends who grieve his passing.
............................................................................................
Over the years I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with the 'Boss' (Penti Airkikkala)
when we were running Jari Matti-Latvala in his 1st year and lot of time testing with Miko
Hirvonen. There are enough memories to write a book on one the original 'Flying Finns'
which would be very entertaining ! I was fortunate enough to teach at his school and represented
his rally school in the Old Metro Challenge days.
Pentti was one of the most talented and clever people I have ever seen when setting a car up.
A lot of people thought some of his ideas were crazy but he wouldn't rest until they were tested
and he was proved right! He was extremely proud of Jari and the other drivers he worked with over the years. I am very grateful for all he taught me and shared over the years.
Never to be forgotten, but I cant help thinking of all the unfinished conversations and ideas !
RIP Boss - it was a true pleasure!
John Morgan
Fairfield Motorsport
Tribute to Pentti Airkikkala
 |
