History 1980s

1980 Rally Codasur (Argentina)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1980 Rally Codasur

Date: July 19–24, 1980

Host Country: Argentina

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: 1,223.70 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 60 crews

Total Finishers: 19 crews

Making its debut on the World Rally Championship calendar, the Rally Codasur challenged competitors with a new South American test: fast gravel roads, high altitudes, and erratic winter weather. Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer delivered a flawless performance in their Fiat 131 Abarth, navigating treacherous mountain passes and remote pampas to secure another vital win on their championship campaign.

Route

Sierra de Córdoba: Rocky hill climbs and blind descents demanded absolute precision and careful brake management.
Pampas Plains: Wide, flat gravel stretches encouraged high speeds but posed visibility challenges in dust clouds.
Remote Service Zones: Few mid-stage service areas increased the risk of terminal damage from tire or suspension failure.

The event was based primarily in Córdoba Province and included remote stages across the Sierra de Córdoba and the expansive pampas, mixing open terrain with narrow, rock-lined mountain climbs.

Cold winter winds, dry conditions, and heavy dust storms defined the rally, forcing drivers to adapt to rapid temperature changes and shifting visibility throughout the multi-day event.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Walter Röhrl & Christian Geistdörfer · Fiat 131 Abarth
2nd Place
Jorge Recalde & Martin Christie · Fiat 131 Abarth
3rd Place
Carlos Reutemann & Jorge del Buono · Fiat 131 Abarth

Fiat dominated the event with a podium sweep. Röhrl’s refined pace, combined with Geistdörfer’s precision, neutralized the threat from local talent and mechanical fatigue alike.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Altitude & Dust: High-elevation stages caused engine stress and dense dust clouds obscured vision across the pampas.
  • Remote Terrain: Any off-road excursion risked terminal damage or time-consuming recovery efforts.
  • New Event Variables: As a new addition to the WRC, teams had limited local data, requiring adaptability and strong coordination between crew and service teams.

The 1980 Rally Codasur proved both a technical and endurance challenge—Röhrl’s disciplined strategy and mechanical finesse ensured another jewel in his dominant WRC season crown.

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