Born in Finland, in 1964, Timo Rautiainen has had a long and twisted career that has always had its fair share of ups and downs. Rautiainen got his first chance for a World Rally Championship race, in New Zealand, in 1984. Although there wasn't much of an impact, he kept chipping away at the different levels that faced him, to get to where he is today.

The relationship between Timo Rautiainen and Marcus Gronholm, that exists today, goes back all the way to 1990. They had decided to participate in a one-off rally but the race ended in a crash that put their car out of service. Rautiainen took a four year break from the sport following this incident and came back to WRC racing in 1995, in New Zealand. As fate would have it, his partner was to be the same guy with whom his first journey had crashed and burnt – Gronholm.

However, this time round, things were different. The pair went onto create sweet memories and also gave Timo his first taste of the highest level of Rallying in a 20 year long career. The two Finns got on really well with each other and two Drivers' titles and numerous wins are a testament to their wonderful and coherent partnership.

In 2006, Rautiainen guided Gronholm to seven victories which gave the BP-Ford manufacturer enough time and space to grab their first manufacturers' championship for over 30 years. The two were not at all pleased with their own result in the World Drivers' Championships. This year, the pair will look to build on their previous performances and take the fight to the end and if possible, win the entire thing.

Considering their performances over the last few seasons, it seems rather likely that Loeb and Co. will have a huge fight on their hands this season.