At 52 years old, Mikko Lukka proved that experience is everything. He was crowned Junior WRC co-drivers' champion after securing victory in the JWRC category in Chile alongside Leevi Lassila. The win marked the pinnacle of a season full of challenges for the duo.
Lukka amassed a total of 113 points, ahead of Spain's Adrian Perez, who partnered Gil Membrado. Jorgen Eriksen, co-driver to Calle Carlberg, finished third. This title completes Lukka's trophy collection, which also includes the win in Chile and helping Lassila finish as runner-up in the JWRC category.
Interestingly, Lukka secured the Junior WRC co-drivers' title even though Ali Turkkan won the drivers' championship. Turkkan used two different co-drivers during the season, so his points did not count towards the co-drivers' standings. Lukka's consistency with Lassila was key to their success.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for Lassila and Lukka. In addition to their victory in Chile, they also podiumed in Finland, Sweden, and Portugal. However, Rally Chile was the low point when they retired and scored only six points. Nevertheless, they bounced back and ended the season on a high note.
"Of course, a first win feels fantastic. We also achieved our objective for the event by securing a World Championship podium finish. It was definitely a good end to a season in which we kept improving," Lassila said after the rally.
Lukka is no stranger to rallying. He has been an experienced co-driver mentoring young Lassila since the end of last year. He has also helped develop Matias Nevalainen from the co-driver's seat over the past couple of seasons. His WRC career began as long ago as 2005, when he competed alongside Jarno Kinnunen in a Mitsubishi at Rally Finland. Throughout his career, Lukka has made 47 WRC starts and won the WRC3 title in 2020 with Jari Huttunen.
For Leevi Lassila, working with Lukka has been a crucial foundation for his career. Under Lukka's guidance, Lassila has shown rapid development and competed at the highest level of Junior WRC. This co-driver title is a testament to Lukka's dedication and expertise in guiding young drivers.
Lukka's success also proves that age is no barrier to remaining competitive in motorsport. With decades of experience, he can read situations and deliver precise pacenotes, helping Lassila perform at his best. Lukka's story is an inspiration to many young co-drivers aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
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