She started her rally career within her family and, since 2021, has been the co-driver of Emil Lindholm. Together, they won the 2022 WRC2 World Championship title with the Škoda FabiaRally2 evo. Although Reeta Hämäläinen admits that being a co-driver is a demanding job, she still enjoys it immensely after all these years.
There are many paths into the world of motorsport. For Reeta Hämäläinen, it all began with her family, but the young co-driver quickly realized that rallying was something she wanted to pursue professionally. " It was mainly fun at first, but as my experience grew, so did my ambitions," she says of her journey from co-driving her father in historic and regional rallies to entering the world of the WRC.
How did your love for motorsport begin?
Motorsport has always been part of our family life. My father, Teuvo, was passionate about rallying as a hobby and dragged us all along too! In 2009, I started co-driving for him at the Historic Vltava Rally in the Czech Republic. It was truly a family thing—my mother and sister also followed us to the rallies. Originally, my passion was horse riding—I competed in dressage. But rallying offered adifferent kind of adrenaline, precision, and teamwork. And for sure, I have always loved cars and speed too!
You started out in local and historic competitions. Was it just for fun, or did you already dream of competing internationally?
Yes, I started at the Historic Vltava Rallye and after that, I did historic events abroad and local rallies with my father. At first, it was mainly for fun, but as my experience grew, so did my ambitions. Before long, I realized I wanted to push further and aim for the international stages with modern cars.
What did your family think of it?
They have always supported both me and my sister to pursue whatever we wanted. They have been cheering me on from the very beginning, even though rallying isn’t exactly the safest or most traditional career path. Of course they were a bit nervous sometimes.
What was your journey to the World Rally Championship like?
It’s been a long journey! It took years of competing, learning, and building connections within the rally community. Every race, every season, and every driver and team taught me something new and brought me a step closer to where I am today. I’m truly thankful for every opportunity I have been given.
How did the collaboration with Emil Lindholm come about?
We knew of each other from the Finnish rally scene. When Emil needed a new co-driver, he calledme—and I immediately realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have enjoyed a lot working with Emil!
Does Emil have any special requirements for his pace notes?
Emil likes precision and flow in the pace notes. The rhythm of the delivery is very important for him—it helps him maintain his driving tempo.
What other responsibilities does a co-driver have besides reading the pace notes?
The co-driver is the team’s navigator, organizer, and sometimes even the psychologist! We manage timecards, roadbooks, logistics, and schedules. It’s all about keeping everything running smoothly so the pilot can fully focus on the driving.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The adrenaline, the speed, and the teamwork—without question. That incredible feeling when you find the perfect flow on a stage is magical. Plus, travelling to amazing places and being part of a sport I love makes it even better.
How do you relax between events?
I spend time outdoors whenever I can—riding and spending time with my horses, hiking, enjoying Finnish nature, going to the sauna, and reading. After the intensity of rally events, I really appreciate simple, peaceful moments.
And one special question: What was it like to drive a Fabia RS Rally2 across half of Gran Canaria?
(editor's note: Reeta drove from the last stage on Saturday to the service station because Emil Lindholm needed a rest) It was unforgettable! For the first time ever, I got to drive the Fabia RS Rally2 myself, and it was so cool. The car is agile, powerful, and responsive. An amazing experience!
What advice would you give to aspiring co-drivers?
Believe in yourself and your dreams. This career takes hours and hours of work, so be ready to work hard! Build your knowledge patiently. Rallying is a sport of preparation and precision, so master the basics—timing, note reading, teamwork. And most importantly: enjoy the journey, because passion is your best engine.
