Ari Vatanen was born in Finland. He discovers his passion for car racing at a very young age. Even though he had a difficult start, his talent surfaced at a rally in Great Britain in 1975. In 1985 he had one of the most severe accidents in the history of car racing and he was out of running for 18 months.

A Christian upbringing, going to church every Sunday, a Christian school, being surrounded by great examples, etc. I had it all. So faith was something very obvious for me. I knew Jesus had died for my sins, I knew He rose again. I've always been very grateful for that mercy. I never had to wonder about Gods existence. The things I saw around me were enough proof that He was working in my life and in the lives of other people.