Timo Mäkinen has died

He is one of the great figures of rally world who has just passed away at the age of 79. The news of the death of Timo Makinen was reported yesterday by Ilta-Sanomat media.

After starting on his land in Finland, Timo Mäkinen turned to international events and began to make a name for himself in the 60s with Mini. After the Tulip Rally in 1964, the first high point came in 1965 with a victory in the Monte-Carlo Rally on a Mini

At the 1000 Lakes, Mäkinen showed himself to be imperial between 1965 and 1967, always with the Mini Cooper S. The advent of the World Championship in 1973 offered him the possibility of adding another success in Finland after having joined the Ford fold with the legendary Escort RS1600.

A first victory at the RAC in Great Britain also marks this inaugural season in WRC for the Finn, who remained undefeated on British tracks in 1974 and 1975, signing his fourth and final World Cup triumph with the Ford Escort RS1800.

Jean Todt as a team member

The Helsinki native's career was also marked by his time with Peugeot , from 1973 on African events. Jean Todt will be his co-driver during the second place won in Ivory Coast in 1978 with the 504 Coupé V6.

All AUTO editorial staffhebdo sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Timo Mäkinen.