History 1970s

1971 Rallye Internacional de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1971 Rallye Internacional de Portugal

Date: April 7–11, 1971

Host Country: Portugal

Surface: Mixed

Total Distance: 370 km

Total Starters: 82 crews

Total Finishers: 46 crews

The 1971 Rallye de Portugal offered a rugged mix of mountainous gravel and twisty asphalt, covering a range of terrain from the Atlantic coast to the rural interior. Known for its passionate fans and ever-changing road conditions, it pushed both cars and crews to their limits during the early spring season.

Route

Douro Valley: Tight hillclimb stages through wine country tested suspension travel and co-driver rhythm.
Gravel Switchbacks: Loose, rutted forest roads demanded high steering input and confident car placement.
Urban Tarmac Zones: Narrow cobbled roads through towns introduced risk of mechanical wear and punctures.

Stages were set across central and northern Portugal, combining sharp mountain climbs with fast-flowing gravel sprints and coastal tarmac transitions.

Rapid weather shifts created unpredictable grip levels throughout the rally, making tire choices and reactive driving critical.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Harry Källström & Jean Todt · Alpine-Renault A110 1600
2nd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Atso Aho · Ford Escort Twin Cam
3rd Place
Bernard Darniche & Jacques Jaubert · Alpine-Renault A110 1600

Källström’s finesse and Todt’s precise pace notes led to a well-earned win over the Escort threat, with Alpine once again proving its might on a mixed-surface international stage.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Transitions: Constant switching between gravel and tarmac required quick driver adaptation and flexible setups.
  • Unpredictable Weather: Showers and dust alternated stage to stage, creating tire strategy headaches.
  • Mechanical Wear: Long liaison distances and rougher gravel segments increased the strain on components and suspension.

The 1971 Rallye de Portugal was a well-fought battle of endurance and technique, with Källström and Todt’s synergy elevating Alpine to the top step on one of Europe’s most varied rally stages.

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