Henri Toivonen, Finnish race car driver (b. 1956)

Henri Pauli Toivonen (25 August 1956 – 2 May 1986) was a prodigious Finnish rally driver, deeply rooted in the motorsport landscape of his homeland. Born in Jyväskylä, a city synonymous with speed and the beloved Rally Finland, Toivonen inherited a passion for racing from his family. His father, Pauli Toivonen, was a revered figure in rallying, clinching the prestigious European Rally Championship title in 1968 behind the wheel of a Porsche. The racing legacy continued through Henri's brother, Harri, who carved out his own career as a professional circuit racer, demonstrating the family's pervasive talent across different motorsport disciplines.

Henri Toivonen’s ascent in the World Rally Championship was swift and impactful. His maiden WRC victory came in 1980 at the demanding Lombard RAC Rally in Great Britain. Driving a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, he secured this significant win just after his 24th birthday, immediately etching his name into the record books. For many years, he held the distinction of being the youngest driver ever to win a world rally, a remarkable feat that underscored his immense potential. This record stood until his fellow Finn, Jari-Matti Latvala, surpassed it in 2008 by winning the Swedish Rally at the age of 22, highlighting Finland's continuous production of rallying talent.

Following stints with reputable manufacturers like Opel and Porsche, Toivonen’s exceptional talent caught the attention of Lancia, one of rallying's most iconic and successful teams. He joined them during the high-stakes Group B era, a period defined by incredibly powerful and technologically advanced machines. However, his Lancia tenure faced a severe setback early in 1985 at the Rally Costa Smeralda, where a serious accident nearly left him paralysed. Displaying immense courage and determination, Toivonen made a remarkable return to rallying later that same year. His comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as he clinched victory at the season-ending RAC Rally. He carried this momentum into the 1986 season, triumphing at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally – a victory that resonated deeply, as his father, Pauli, had won the same event exactly two decades prior, creating a poignant symmetry in their careers.

Tragedy struck Henri Toivonen and the rallying world on 2 May 1986, during the Tour de Corse rally on the challenging roads of Corsica. While leading the event, Toivonen’s Lancia Delta S4, with his American co-driver Sergio Cresto by his side, plunged down a steep ravine and erupted in flames. Both Toivonen and Cresto perished in the devastating crash. The accident had no close witnesses, and the intensity of the fire left behind only the charred spaceframe of the Lancia, making it impossible for investigators to definitively determine the precise cause of the incident. The shockwaves from this tragedy were immediate and far-reaching. Within hours, Jean-Marie Balestre, then President of the FISA (Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile), announced the immediate ban of the formidable Group B rally cars from competing in the following season. This decision brought an abrupt and definitive end to rallying’s exhilarating, yet notoriously dangerous, "supercar era," forever changing the face of the sport.

While celebrated primarily for his rallying prowess, Henri Toivonen was a remarkably versatile driver, equally competitive on asphalt and in circuit racing. His talent extended beyond the gravel and snow stages; he successfully competed in a European Endurance Championship event, showcasing his adaptability. He earned significant praise from figures like Eddie Jordan, for whose Formula Three team Toivonen made several guest appearances. His impressive performance during a Formula One test for March Grand Prix further underscored his potential to excel in various high-speed disciplines. To honor his memory and immense talent, the annual Race of Champions, a unique event bringing together top drivers from different motorsport categories, was originally established. This prestigious competition continues to award the winning individual driver the Henri Toivonen Memorial Trophy, a perpetual reminder of a driver who was taken too soon but left an indelible mark on motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henri Toivonen

Who was Henri Toivonen?
Henri Toivonen was a highly talented Finnish rally driver born in 1956, renowned for his speed and skill, particularly during the powerful Group B era of the World Rally Championship.
What was Henri Toivonen's biggest achievement in rallying?
Among his significant achievements, Toivonen held the record for being the youngest driver to win a World Rally Championship event (the 1980 RAC Rally) for many years. He also famously won the 1985 RAC Rally and the 1986 Monte Carlo Rally with Lancia.
How did Henri Toivonen die?
Henri Toivonen died in a fiery crash on May 2, 1986, while leading the Tour de Corse rally in Corsica. His Lancia Delta S4 plunged into a ravine. His co-driver, Sergio Cresto, also perished in the accident.
Who was his co-driver at the time of the fatal crash?
His co-driver during the fatal Tour de Corse rally was American Sergio Cresto.
What was Group B rallying, and why was it banned?
Group B was a category in rallying from 1982 to 1986, characterized by extremely powerful, lightweight, and technologically advanced cars often referred to as "supercars." It was banned by FISA (now FIA) due to a series of fatal accidents, including Toivonen's, and growing safety concerns for both competitors and spectators, bringing an end to the era.
What was the impact of Henri Toivonen's death on rallying?
Toivonen's death, along with previous fatal accidents in Group B, was the direct catalyst for FISA's immediate decision to ban Group B cars from competing the following season. This fundamentally reshaped rallying, ushering in an era with less powerful, safer cars and stricter regulations.
Is his family still involved in motorsport?
Yes, Henri Toivonen came from a motorsport family. His father, Pauli Toivonen, was a European Rally Champion, and his brother, Harri Toivonen, became a professional circuit racer, continuing the family's legacy in various forms of motorsport.
What is the Henri Toivonen Memorial Trophy?
The Henri Toivonen Memorial Trophy is awarded to the winning individual driver at the annual Race of Champions. The Race of Champions itself was originally organized in Toivonen's memory to bring together champions from different racing disciplines.