Disappearance of David Sutton

A few weeks later the death of Hannu Mikkola, it is another figure of rally of the turn of the 1980s which is leaving us. David Sutton, responsible for the Rothmans-liveried Ford Escorts in the World Championship, has died at the age of 81.

A dealer after a short career behind the wheel, the Londoner became the first private team manager to win the World Rally Championship in 1981. Talent scout, David Sutton polished the rough diamond named Ari Vatanen aboard the Ford Escort MkII RS 1800.

The Finn is associated with David Richards, and together they will win the Rally of Brazil and 1 Lakes on the land of the future driver Peugeot to become crowned in the RAC during the final.

“David wore a big smile regardless of the events, declared Ari Vatanen to the official website of the WRC. A huge smile. When I made mistakes, he would come over and put his arm around me. We had a relationship similar to that between a father and son. He was fantastic and he will leave a huge void in this sport. » 

The following off-season, David Sutton turned to Audi UK for a national program with the Quattro and stars Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist and Michèle Mouton. More recently, the David Sutton Cars team won the Production WRC title in 2003 with Martin Rowe (Subaru).

AUTO editorial staffhebdo sends its condolences to the family and loved ones of David Sutton.