GLOBAL – There are a few things Finland is famous for the world over. Nokia, of course, Santa Claus, and lightning-fast rally drivers. Over the years, Nokia’s home country has given rise to some of the greatest names in rally.

Now Nokia is going to connect rally enthusiasts around the world, with a deal to become an International Partner of the FIA World Rally Championship. The agreement will see Nokia’s technology and world-renowned brand will be incorporated throughout the WRC.

What makes it really exciting for rally fans flocking to the stages and following the action on WRC.com is an exclusive mobile application, providing access to video footage, live standings and car telemetry data. The app will help fans keep up to date with the performance of their favourite teams, and track their position on Nokia maps, as well as bringing the latest news, stories, and up-to-date information on the WRC calendar.

Not only will rally fans be able to get involved, get closer and get behind the scenes to follow their favourite teams, drivers and co-drivers, but it will be easier to share that experience with others, too.

For the uninitiated, the World Rally Championship pits cars and drivers in a series of multi day events through some of the toughest, and most varied, conditions on the planet.

This year, drivers and the likes of Citroën, Ford and MINI, and VW from next year, along with six other teams are competing in rallies in 13 countries across Europe, Central and South America, Australia and the Middle East.

The race for the 2011 WRC title resumes later this month when round seven of the championship, the all-action Acropolis Rally of Greece, gets underway on 16 June.

Are you as revved up about Nokia and the World Rally Championship as we are? Tell us what you think.