Background
Airikkala was born in Helsinki, Finland.
Airikkala was born in Helsinki, Finland.
His career was more sporadic than many of his contemporaries, and he competed in only three World Rally Championship (WRC) events regularly. The two Scandinavian rallies (the 1000 Lakes and the Swedish Rally) and the Royal Automobile Club Rally in the United Kingdom. Since retiring from full-time international competition he operated a highly successful rally driving school in Oxfordshire teaching left-foot braking, where his roster of pupils included subsequent World Champions Colin McRae and Richard Burns.
Airikkala died at Bray, Berkshire, United Kingdom, aged 64.
He had been battling illness in recent years and was admitted to hospital shortly before his death after suffering liver problems and a fall.