Only 18 years old, Aatu Hakalehto impressed the jury during the selection day held in Jyväskylä. As a reward, Hakalehto will compete in the Junior WRC category at Rally Finland in early August.
Hakalehto has performed well this season in the Finnish Rally Championship’s SM3 class, driving a Ford Fiesta Rally4. Hailing from Hämeenlinna, he won his class in the season opener in Kuopio and finished in the top five in both the traditional Arctic Rally and the summer season opener in Turku.
In addition to his rally results, Hakalehto impressed during the selection day in Jyväskylä, where all candidates underwent a comprehensive evaluation. In addition to driving skills, the assessment included physical fitness, media handling, and the ability to perform under pressure.
“The test day was physically demanding, but it went really well. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and ready to show what I can do,” Hakalehto commented after his selection.
The prize package for the winner of the Flying Finn Future Star competition is valued at approximately €50,000–60,000. For Rally Finland, Hakalehto will compete in a Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared by M-Sport in the JWRC category. He will also get a one-day test session, as well as Hankook tyres, race fuel, servicing, entry fees, and all logistics covered. On top of that, he will receive coaching, a tailored physical training programme, and PR training.
Hakalehto is approaching the competition with determination but a grounded mindset.
“The first goal is to finish the rally, but of course we aim to deliver a strong performance. It’s important to become familiar with the car before the event,” Hakalehto says.
Two-time world champion Marcus Grönholm, who serves as the patron of the Flying Finn Future Star programme, emphasises that the winner must bring more than just speed:
“We’re looking for someone who can succeed in an international environment. They need to handle the media, be physically fit – be a complete athlete. Speed alone isn’t enough when stepping onto the world stage.”
Launched in 2014, the Flying Finn Future Star programme has helped raise several Finnish drivers to international motorsport prominence. Previous winners include Teemu Suninen, Jari Huttunen, Emil Lindholm, Sami Pajari, and Lauri Joona.
“This is a huge opportunity and a big step in my career. We’ll approach the week with calm focus and ambition,” says Hakalehto.
