The FIA inaugurates rallying Hall of Fame

To coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Drivers’ World Rally Championship (created in 1979), the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) has inaugurated a bespoke rallying Hall of Fame in Paris, France. Michelin was a partner of the official induction ceremony. 

Thirteen of the sport’s world champions to date either attended or were officially represented at the event which was held at the prestigious Automobile Club de France premises on the French capital’s Place de la Concorde.

In his opening address, the FIA’s president Jean Todt paid a special tribute to the three stars who have left us since winning their respective titles, namely the very first champion Björn Waldegard in 1979, Colin McRae (1995) and Richard Burns (2001).

A film of the 17 drivers’ careers was screened before one-time champions Ari Vatanen (1981), Didier Auriol (1994), Petter Solberg (2003) and their co-drivers were presented with Hall of Fame certificates by senior FIA representatives.

Next to step onto the stage were two-time champs Walter Röhrl (1980, 1982), Carlos Sainz (1990, 1992), Miki Biasion (1988, 1989) and Marcus Grönholm (2000, 2002), again accompanied by their co-drivers.

It was then the turn of the four-time world champion Tommi Mäkinen (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999) and the nine-time champion Sébastien Loeb (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) to receive their awards from Jean Todt.