Leo Kinnunen

Leo Juhani 'Leksa' Kinnunen (5 August 1943 - 3 December 2017): Finnish racing driver from Tampere who participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, the 1974 Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp, failing to qualify. Kinnunen is far better known as one of the greatest sports car racing drivers of the 1970s, achieving legendary status driving Porsche 917s and winning the 1971 Interserie championship. He was the first Finnish driver to attempt Formula One, paving the way for future Finnish F1 stars. Kinnunen began racing in the early 1960s in Finnish national motorsport events, initially competing in rallying before switching to circuit racing.

He progressed through Formula Vee and Formula Three, showing enough promise to attract attention from sports car teams. His big break came when Porsche hired him as a works driver for their sports car racing program. From 1969 to 1971, Kinnunen became one of Porsche's leading drivers, competing in the World Sportscar Championship and the Interserie, a European sports car championship where Porsche's fearsome 917 dominated. His most successful season came in 1971 when he won the Interserie championship driving a Porsche 917, defeating formidable competition.

Kinnunen was known for his bravery and commitment, qualities essential for driving the notoriously difficult-to-handle 917, especially in its early iterations. The 917 was phenomenally fast but also treacherous, with aerodynamic instability that caught out even the most skilled drivers. Kinnunen mastered the beast, earning respect throughout the paddock. He competed at Le Mans multiple times with Porsche, with a best finish of fourth in 1970 driving a 917 LH (Langheck, or long-tail).

He also raced in the Targa Florio, the 1000km races at Monza, Spa, and the Nürburgring, regularly finishing on the podium. His career highlights include victories at numerous Interserie rounds and consistent performances against drivers like Jo Siffert, Pedro Rodriguez, and Richard Attwood. In 1974, Kinnunen made an attempt to break into Formula One. With backing from Finnish sponsors, he entered the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp driving a Surtees TS16-Cosworth for a small Finnish team.

The Surtees was outdated and the team lacked experience, and Kinnunen failed to qualify, finishing well outside the 107% qualifying time. It would be his only Formula One attempt, ending his F1 ambitions. However, this disappointment did not diminish his status in sports car racing. Kinnunen continued competing in sports car racing through the 1970s, though Porsche's withdrawal from full factory sports car efforts after 1971 meant opportunities became more limited.

He raced for various privateer teams and competed in the European 2-Litre Sports Car Championship, CanAm, and other series. Kinnunen also competed in touring car racing, including the European Touring Car Championship, demonstrating his versatility. Throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, he remained active in Scandinavian and European racing, though without the success he had enjoyed with the works Porsche team. After retiring from professional racing in the early 1980s, Kinnunen returned to Finland and worked in various automotive-related businesses.

He remained connected to motorsport through historic racing events, occasionally driving Porsche 917s at demonstration events, always drawing crowds eager to see the legendary car and driver combination. Kinnunen was celebrated in Finland as a motorsport pioneer—the first Finn to attempt Formula One (though he didn't start a race) and one of Finland's most successful international racing drivers before the emergence of Formula One stars like Keke Rosberg and Mika Häkkinen. His achievements helped establish Finland's reputation for producing fast, fearless drivers. Kinnunen passed away on 3 December 2017 at the age of 74, prompting tributes from the motorsport community.

Porsche recognized his contributions to their racing success, and Finnish motorsport organizations honored his pioneering role. Known for his bravery, commitment, smooth yet aggressive driving style, and ability to handle the most difficult cars of his era, Leo Kinnunen remains a legend in sports car racing. While his Formula One career consisted of a single failed qualifying attempt, his achievements in Porsche 917s and his Interserie championship ensure his place in motorsport history.