Markku Alén
Markku Allan Alén [ mɑrk ː u ː ɑlɛ n] ( * February 15, 1951 in Helsinki) is a Finnish rally driver.
Alén is one of the most successful driver in the history of this sport. His driving career began in 1969 at the wheel of a Renault 8 Gordini. Since then, he also drove for the Volvo, Fiat, Lancia, Subaru, Toyota and Ford
The Finnish Junior Rally driver Anton Alén is the son of Markku Alén.
Achievements
Alén was in 1978, a year before the launch of the official World Rally Championship, the unofficial world champion. From 1978 to 1980, he won three consecutive Rally Finland. Likewise, twice in 1987 and 1988, when he won the 26th Lombard RAC Rally in Great Britain at that. His most successful rally 1987 also brought him victory in the Swedish Rally and the Rally Greece. His longtime co-driver was, with a few exceptions, Ilkka Kivimäki.
1995 drove Alén the International Touring Car Championship for Alfa Romeo and a few rounds of the DTM. The Trophée Andros saw him in 1996 and 1997 at the start. In addition, he repeatedly took part in the Dakar Rally. Together with his colleague Juha Kankkunen rally denied Alén in 2004, runs to the Finnish Rallycross Championship in a BMW M3 and ended before that Vice- Master, Master was both compatriot Atro Määttä.