Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Q & A with FIA WRC chief Mahonen

Jarmo Mahonen, the man behind the huge success of Finland's round of the World Rally Championship, has become the new president of the FIA's WRC Commission

AUTOSPORT caught up with Mahonen to talk about his new role.

Q. How does it feel to be in the new job?

Jarmo Mahonen: Very nice. I'm happy to have the job, it's been quite a long process and, of course, it's a little bit early to talk about the first feeling, but I am happy. I have good support from the [FIA] president [Jean Todt]; you know he is a rally man and he wants the championship to be as good as it used to be.

Q. What's your first job in your new role?

JM: Well, there are many things, but I have to take time to settle in and look at everything with the stakeholders. We have a common goal here and we're all going to be working towards that. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to go into detail about the common goal, it's too early for that. We're going to take it step-by-step, but you can be sure that once I have looked into things I am going to be more than happy to tell you my views.

Q. How much of your commercial and sporting expertise from running Rally Finland is transferable to your new job?

JM: I hope to take it all with me. I have learned a lot from what I have done in Rally Finland and there are some of the events in the championship where we need to improve the quality, this is going to be one of the short-term goals.

Q. Will you be on every round of the championship?

JM: No, no. I believe in working with modern means, which means you don't have to be doing everything face-to-face. The most important thing is the results we can deliver, that's what we will focus on.

Q. And Robert Reid for your vice-president, tell us about that decision.

JM: It was my decision. The sport needs young blood and guys who have been in the works teams - and guys who have the ability to think for themselves. Robert is a really bright and good guy and he now has the platform to see the sport from the other side.

Q. What does this new job mean for Rally Finland?

JM: Well, I will be in the background, of course, because it is my company [AKK] which runs the event. But, within the week, we will nominate who is going to take over. This is not something I am worried about - there are plenty of good people in the office.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article How Loeb destroyed his rivals in Spain
Next article Raikkonen expected tough season

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe