History 1970s

1976 Jänner Rallye (Austria)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1976 Jänner Rallye

Date: January 9–10, 1976

Host Country: Austria

Surface: Snow / Ice

Total Distance: ~240 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 60 crews

Total Finishers: N/A

Held in Austria’s Mühlviertel region near the Czech border, the 1976 Jänner Rallye delivered classic winter rallying with narrow, icy roads and sub-zero conditions. Local talents Rudolf Stohl and Franz Wittmann outpaced the competition in their Audi 80 GT, taking a decisive win thanks to their steady pace and deep familiarity with snow-covered Austrian stages.

Route

Freistadt and Bad Leonfelden: Key regions for challenging loops with hard-packed ice and hidden braking zones.
Borderland Sections: Remote, forested roads that tested studded tire traction and driver bravery in low grip areas.
Night Stages: Bitter cold and darkness added complexity to rhythm and visibility.

The route featured tight and twisting alpine roads covered in compact snow and ice, running through the hills north of Linz, Austria.

Despite the frigid temperatures, snow remained firm and compact—offering strong grip for those confident on ice and equipped with the right studded tire strategy.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Rudolf Stohl & Franz Wittmann · Audi 80 GT
2nd Place
Data not confirmed
3rd Place
Data not confirmed

Stohl and Wittmann’s familiarity with the alpine environment and smooth coordination gave them the edge over more powerful but less predictable rivals.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Studded Tire Strategy: Choosing the right length and pattern was vital to maintaining grip through icy hairpins.
  • Visibility: Snow dust, cold air, and early sunsets made clear pacenotes and lighting setups essential.
  • Mechanical Endurance: Carburetors and fuel systems had to perform flawlessly in freezing temperatures.

The 1976 Jänner Rallye showcased classic winter rallying—where consistency and ice-craft mattered more than outright horsepower. Stohl and Wittmann brought both in abundance.

← Previous Event 1975 Lombard RAC Rally (United Kingdom)
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