Juha Kankkunen was born in Laukaa, Finland on April 21 1959. Kankkunen grew up on his family's farm near Jyväskylä.
He is a four time World Rally Champion and was the first driver to win three and then four WRC championship titles. He has won 23 World Championship rallies making him one of the most successful drivers of all time. His first win came with the Safari Rally in 1985 on his first attempt, as a 100-1 outsider.
World Drivers Champion in 1986 (Peugeot),1987 (Lancia),1991 (Lancia) and 1993 (Toyota).
He has driven for Peugeot, Lancia, Toyota, Ford, Subaru and Hyundai.