Rauno Aaltonen’s passion for Safari Rally is undiminished, even at 85 years of age.
In a recent interview, Aaltonen said of his undimmed enthusiasm for the fabled event: “It is over 30 years since I was last in Kenya, and I still remember Kenya as a beautiful, nice and friendly country.”
“I have competed in the Safari 23 times and finished second six times. But it’s not because of positions that I drive in the Safari. I drive in the Safari because I simply love the Safari.”
“During those 23 years, I have driven many makes, the first one being a Mercedes, the Moris Austin Mini, Lancia and many years for Opel,” said Aaltonen, nicknamed The Rally Professor.”
“Every Safari is memorable because they are all different. And it’s always a great adventure.”
Aaltonen is among the Safari legends enlisted for the inaugural Safari Rally Drive 2023 slated for October 1-6 to mark the 70th year anniversary of the fabled event.
The six-day non-competitive drive will retrace some of Safari’s nostalgic routes synonymous with World Rally teams back in the day.
The drive will start in Nairobi and head to Eldoret, Nakuru, Amboseli, Diwani, Tsavo and back to Nairobi.
Aaltonen profile
Date of Birth: January 7, 1938
Place of Birth: Turku, Finland
World Rally Championship: 1973–1987
Co-drivers: Lofty Drews (Kenya), Paul Easter, Robin Turvey (United Kingdom), Claes Billstam (Sweden), Willi Peter Pitz (West Germany), Wolfgang Stiller (West Germany)
Podium finishes: Six
Stage wins: 11
Total points: 65
First rally: 1973 (Monte Carlo)
Last rally: 1987 (Safari Rally)