Top 10 sons of
famous fathers

1: Ulf and Marcus Gronholm

Marcus Gronholm’s father died when ‘Bosse’ was just 13, killed after colliding with a snowplough during a practice run for the 1981 Hankiralli in Finland. Before then, Ulf had been Finnish national champion twice and had clearly passed on his genes to his son, who became world champion in 2000 and 2002 and is the second-most successful driver in the history of the sport when it comes to overall wins.

2: Markku and Anton Alen

Markku Alen drove for Fiat and Lancia for more than 15 years, so it was quite natural that his son Anton should join the Abarth squad when it signed up for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2007. Some of his mechanics were the same people who had worked on Markku’s cars 20 years before. Anton won Rally Russia with Abarth and also claimed several Group N victories at world championship level.

3: Jimmy and Colin McRae

Five-time British champion Jimmy McRae spawned two rallying sons: Colin and Alister. Both went on to huge success in the World Rally Championship and there was no doubt where their ability came from. Jimmy McRae also owned a plumbing and heating business, and the firm’s Vauxhall vans proved to be excellent practice vehicles for the world’s most famous rallying brothers to first discover their driving skills.

4: Malcolm and Matthew Wilson

The first family of rallying in Cumbria became a local legend, with first Malcolm and then Matthew making their mark behind the wheel. Malcolm won the British title in 1994 before going on to take on the running of Ford’s factory team in the WRC, whereas Matthew focused on the global series, putting in his most recent appearance on Wales Rally GB this year with a strong run to eighth.

5: Gwyndaf and Elfyn Evans

Former bus driver Gwyndaf Evans not only won the British championship but also went onto form part of Seat’s factory WRC line-up with the Ibiza Kit Car and then the Cordoba WRC. He was a trusted development driver for the Spanish marque but now concentrates on the career of his son Elfyn, who recently won the FIA WRC Academy in inimitable Welsh style.

6: Harri and Kalle Rovanpera

Harri Rovanpera now sells boats after a distinguished WRC career but there is a new and very much smaller Rovanpera on the block. Despite not even yet being a teenager, Rovanpera Junior has posted some stunning YouTube videos of himself giving a rear-wheel drive Toyota Starlet a seriously hard time - with a specially-adapted driving position so that he can reach the pedals.

7: Pauli and Henri Toivonen

Both father and son won Rallye Monte-Carlo - but under very different circumstances. Citroen driver Pauli Toivonen refused to accept the trophy in 1966 because he felt that he had been handed the victory on a plate when the leading Minis were all disqualified because of an alleged headlamp irregularity. When Henri won the event fair and square exactly 20 years later for Lancia, Pauli breathed a big sigh of relief. “I feel that the name of Toivonen is saved here now,” he said.

8: Carlos and Carlos Sainz

The dark looks and engaging stares are identical, even though more than 30 years separate them. Carlitos Sainz has inherited the same raw speed and unstinting work ethic from his father - but this time he’s chosen to channel it into circuit racing. His ambition is to reach Formula One and so far he’s well on track.

9: Cesare and Alex Fiorio

Cesare Fiorio ruled the all-conquering Lancia team with a rod of iron - which was convenient as his son, Alex, drove for it. Alex’s other achievements include the European Rally Championship title and the FIA Group N Cup, while he also finished second in the 1989 WRC behind Miki Biasion.

10: Chris and Oliver Mellors

Chris Mellors is a four-time British national champion who now runs PROTON’s factory team in the Super 2000 world championship and Asia Pacific championship. His son, Oliver, passed his driving test three months and on his third ever rally, the Grizedale Stages in the United Kingdom last weekend, he finished third overall in a Satria-Neo Super 2000. Not bad going.