Janni Hussi is a Finnish actress, model and presenter who, by an unusual coincidence, fell in love with motorsport. She has been working as a navigator for two years and since this season she has been navigating a fellow Finn Lauri Joona in world competitions. He is piloting the Fabia RS Rally2 rally car, and the crew has been doing well in this year's events so far.
Not everyone has to grow up for motorsport from an early age. Finnish presenter Janni Hussi is clear proof of this. Two years ago, she was basically never sat in a race car, but now she is collecting points in world rallies in the WRC2 category with driver Lauri Joona. Her story is proof of how open the world of motorsport is.
How did you get into rallying in the first place?
I only started competing two years ago. I was working in the radio at the time as a morning show presenter and my colleagues and I were talking about rallying. We joked that it couldn't be that hard, that anyone could do it. At the same time, of course, we know it's a tough sport. Sami Pajari heard our conversation, called me live into the studio and challenged me, basically he said that if I thought it wasn't that hard, I should give it a try. Well, fast forward two years, and here I am.
What fascinated you about motorsport?
It's very difficult to say what I enjoy the most, but I think it's the speed, that's the first thing that gets you. But the people around the sport are also great, I'm relatively new to it and when I jumped in everyone gave me a very warm welcome. That's why I tell anyone who is even thinking about getting into motorsport to just go for it, the people here are great.
How do you evaluate your season so far, what are your plans?
We have had quite a busy schedule, especially the first six months we went to a lot of competitions. We're still enjoying all of it and trying to do a good job as much as we´ve done so far.
Which competition do you like or are you looking forward to?
My favourite event will certainly be the Rally Finland, which I'm really looking forward to. I've already experienced it a few times, but always as a guest, not as a participant, so this time it will be a completely different perspective for me, and I hope we will put on a good performance.
How do you feel in the cockpit of the Fabia RS Rally2?
I really like the car. I think the design is great, it looks very sharp and sporty, I like that. I also enjoy the sound, because the Fabia sounds wonderful. I feel comfortable inside and I also appreciate that things are close at hand and easy to operate. For example, the windscreen wipers and horn located on the passenger floorboard are a smart and efficient solution.
Do you have a message for women and girls who are looking into motorsports?
To the girls who are even thinking in the corner of their minds that they want to give motorsport a try, I want to tell that they should just take the plunge. At first glance, it may seem like it's hard to make it here, but everyone in this environment is very friendly. I recommend looking for people who really want to help you. Ask a lot of questions, don't feel stupid, and don't worry about looking stupid. I ask questions all the time and I think that's one of the keys to success. I wish everyone who wants to become active in motorsports would get that opportunity.
