Mäkinen, 61, will act as the zero car at the Mikkeli round on 17 January. And he will not be behind the wheel of just any machine – he will tackle the stages in a Toyota Yaris WRC.
The zero car operates under the event organiser and checks each stage before the competitors are released. It is rare, however, to see a driver and car of this calibre assigned to the role.
The Toyota Yaris WRC that Mäkinen will use is a test car built in Puuppola. Toyota’s WRC cars were developed and constructed at Mäkinen’s home base during the previous decade, when the Finnish legend served as the team principal of Toyota.
“These last WRC cars are so fantastic that of course I’m interested in driving them – these ones in particular,” Mäkinen said.
Two Yaris WRCs remained with Mäkinen’s garage from Toyota’s WRC era: Ott Tänak’s 2019 title-winning car and the Puuppola-built test car.
Mäkinen gave his WRC cars an outing on an ice track last winter, which reignited a spark for competing in a winter rally.
“Then the idea of the Mikkeli rally came up. Especially if the winter conditions are good, there are fantastic roads in Mikkeli. It’s a nice little boost,” Mäkinen noted.
Mäkinen hopes that proper winter conditions await in Mikkeli.
“Snow, proper banks and a crisp, sunny winter’s day – then it would be truly enjoyable to drive in Mikkeli. Winter seems to be arriving a bit late, but hopefully it comes.”
