Jarmo Lehtinen, Finnish race car driver

Jarmo Lehtinen, born on January 3, 1969, is a highly accomplished professional rally co-driver hailing from Finland. Renowned for his precision navigation and strategic input, Lehtinen has been an integral part of several successful campaigns in the demanding World Rally Championship (WRC).

Lehtinen is most widely recognized for his long-standing and highly successful partnership with fellow Finnish driver Mikko Hirvonen. Together, they formed a formidable duo that competed at the pinnacle of international rallying. Their collaboration yielded an impressive 15 World Rally Championship victories, a testament to their exceptional teamwork and competitive spirit.

These significant WRC triumphs were achieved while representing two of the sport's most prominent manufacturer teams: Ford World Rally Team and Citroën Total. With the Ford World Rally Team, competing primarily in Ford Focus RS WRC and later Fiesta RS WRC cars, Lehtinen and Hirvonen consistently challenged for the championship title, often finishing as runners-up. Their transition to Citroën Total saw them continue their winning ways, contributing to the storied history of the French manufacturer in rallying.

The role of a rally co-driver, also known as a navigator, is absolutely critical to a team's success. More than just reading a map, the co-driver is responsible for meticulously delivering pace notes to the driver, detailing every nuance of the upcoming road section, including corners, crests, obstacles, and grip levels. They also manage time controls and ensure adherence to rally regulations, making them the "brains" of the operation inside the cockpit.

Following his extensive career with Mikko Hirvonen, Jarmo Lehtinen continued to share his expertise in the World Rally Championship. As of the 2019 season, he served as the co-driver for another promising Finnish talent, Teemu Sunninen, competing under the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team banner. This partnership showcased Lehtinen's continued presence and influence in top-tier rallying, guiding the younger driver through the challenging WRC stages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jarmo Lehtinen

When was Jarmo Lehtinen born?
Jarmo Lehtinen was born on January 3, 1969.
What is Jarmo Lehtinen's nationality?
He is from Finland, making him a Finnish rally co-driver.
Who was Jarmo Lehtinen's most prominent driver partner?
Jarmo Lehtinen is most renowned for his highly successful partnership with former World Rally Championship driver Mikko Hirvonen.
How many WRC wins did Jarmo Lehtinen achieve?
He achieved 15 World Rally Championship victories during his career, primarily with Mikko Hirvonen.
Which teams did Lehtinen compete for?
He competed for major factory teams including Ford World Rally Team and Citroën Total.
Who did Jarmo Lehtinen co-drive for as of 2019?
As of the 2019 season, Jarmo Lehtinen was the co-driver for M-Sport driver Teemu Sunninen.
What is the primary role of a rally co-driver?
A rally co-driver, or navigator, is crucial for delivering precise pace notes to the driver, managing time controls, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the rally stages.