History 1970s

1978 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 28th 1000 Lakes Rally

Date: August 25–27, 1978

Host Country: Finland

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: ~1,200 km

Total Starters: Approx. 100 crews

Total Finishers: 43 crews

The 1978 1000 Lakes Rally once again delivered blistering speed, massive jumps, and technical Finnish forest roads. Known as the fastest rally in the world, it required total commitment and precise driving. Hometown hero Markku Alén, alongside Ilkka Kivimäki, was untouchable across the smooth gravel roads, dominating the rally and giving Fiat another major WRC win with a commanding performance in the 131 Abarth.

Route

Ouninpohja: The ultimate test of bravery and skill—fast, flowing, and lined with massive jumps.
Laukaa & Korpilahti: Mixed tight and open roads, offering little room for error and sudden elevation changes.
Ruuhimäki: High-speed finale with technical turns and enthusiastic crowds.

Headquartered in Jyväskylä, the route included legendary stages like Ouninpohja and Myhinpää—featuring high-speed corners, crests, and airborne sections unique to Finnish rallying.

Dry summer weather produced hard-packed gravel and excellent grip, allowing for record-breaking stage times and full-throttle action across the entire rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Markku Alén & Ilkka Kivimäki · Fiat 131 Abarth
2nd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Ford Escort RS1800
3rd Place
Pentti Airikkala & Risto Virtanen · Ford Escort RS1800

Alén’s masterful control at extreme speeds—and the Fiat’s stability and power—proved unbeatable on Finland’s flowing forest roads, delivering a celebrated home victory.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Jumps and Crests: Blind landings and airborne moments demanded precise pacenotes and rhythm.
  • Flat-Out Mentality: No rally demanded higher average speeds—mistakes often meant instant retirement.
  • Pacenote Accuracy: Unique to Finland, where smoothness and flow determine success over brute force.

The 1978 1000 Lakes Rally saw Alén at his finest—dominating on home soil and proving that he was the king of Finland’s forests.

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