History 1970s

1973 Marlboro Arctic Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1973 Marlboro Arctic Rally

Date: February 2–4, 1973

Host Country: Finland

Surface: Snow / Ice

Total Distance: 517.0 km

Total Starters: 85 crews

Total Finishers: 46 crews

The 1973 Arctic Rally, set in the remote expanses of Finnish Lapland, was one of the coldest and most extreme events on the calendar. Featuring long, high-speed stages on snow and ice, the rally required maximum throttle control, confident car placement, and unshakeable local knowledge. Mäkinen’s dominance in these conditions earned him a celebrated home victory.

Route

Frozen Forest Roads: Long straights and sweeping bends encouraged high speeds but punished braking mistakes with deep snowbanks.
Lake Stages: Slick and flat-out, requiring precise studded tire grip and balance through icy crosswinds.
Night Sections: Dim lighting and white-out conditions demanded intense co-driver rhythm and trust.

Based around Rovaniemi, the rally featured wide forest tracks, frozen lakes, and fast-flowing snow-covered routes under the Arctic Circle’s winter sky.

Temperatures frequently dipped below -20°C, testing both mechanical reliability and crew endurance across two brutal rally days.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Timo Mäkinen & Erkki Salonen · Ford Escort RS1600 Mk I
2nd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Atso Aho · Ford Escort RS1600 Mk I
3rd Place
Simo Lampinen & Juhani Toivonen · Saab 96 V4

Mäkinen’s mastery of icy grip, paired with the Escort’s robust performance, resulted in a resounding victory in Finland’s most punishing winter rally.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Snowbanks: Both ally and hazard—used for turning but unforgiving to overcorrection or brake lockups.
  • Low Visibility: Reflection off snow and minimal daylight forced reliance on spotlights and sharp co-driving.
  • Freezing Temperatures: Tested vehicle components such as carburetors, batteries, and lighting systems in arctic extremes.

The 1973 Arctic Rally demanded finesse, endurance, and native-level snow instincts—and Mäkinen delivered them all to dominate on home snow and ice.

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