History 1990s

Mats Jonsson

Overview Achievements Vehicles Style & Legacy Teamwork

Overview

Mats Jonsson, born in 1957 in Sweden, was a formidable figure in Scandinavian rallying throughout the 1990s. While he never pursued a full WRC season, Jonsson was a multiple-time Swedish Rally Champion and consistently delivered top-tier performances on snow-covered stages. Most famously, he won the Swedish Rally twice during the World Championship era, becoming a home hero and proving that local expertise could still overcome global factory efforts. His selective appearances were often limited to winter rallies, but his results earned lasting respect across the WRC paddock.

🏆 Major Achievements

Jonsson’s mastery of snow and home stages made him one of the last great winter specialists in the WRC’s modern era.

Vehicle Highlights

  • Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4: Drove this AWD turbocharged car to his 1992 Swedish Rally win, taking advantage of its strong grip and power.
  • Ford Escort RS Cosworth: Used to win the 1993 Swedish Rally and compete in select WRC and national events through the mid-1990s.

Jonsson’s ability to extract maximum performance from Ford’s AWD platforms on snow made him a perennial threat on wintry stages.

Driving Style & Legacy

Mats Jonsson drove with calm precision and deep understanding of grip dynamics on snow and ice. His smooth inputs and confidence in low-traction conditions earned admiration from peers and fans alike. Though never a title contender, his home rally wins and national dominance built a strong legacy as one of Sweden’s most respected drivers of the 1990s.

Navigation & Teamwork

Jonsson was often paired with co-driver Lars Bäckman during his competitive peak. Their experience and clear communication gave them an edge on snow-bound rallies where split-second accuracy and car control were crucial to success.

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